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two

num. · n.
US //ˈtu// UK //tˈuː// two
  1. 1 the number 2 (num.)
    A1 Beginner

    the number 2.

    the cardinal number between one and three.

    Example

    I have two sisters and one brother.

    Example

    The experiment required two separate control groups to ensure the validity of the final results.
    • a pair of
    • a couple of
  2. 2 the time (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    two o'clock.

    the second hour after midnight or noon.

    Example

    The meeting starts at two, so don't be late.

    Example

    By the time the clock struck two, the exhausted students had finally finished their group project.

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  1. 3 the digit or symbol (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the written symbol 2.

    the graphic symbol or digit representing the number two.

    Example

    Write a large number two at the top of the page.

    Example

    The child carefully traced the figure two in the sand with a wooden stick.

  2. 4 film/camera shot (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Theatre

    a camera shot that shows two people.

    a 'two shot'; a cinematic technique where the frame encompasses two subjects, usually from the waist up.

    Example

    The director asked for a two to show the chemistry between the actors.

    Example

    The cinematographer suggested framing the scene as a tight two to emphasize the growing tension between the protagonists.
    • two shot
  3. 5 playing card (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a playing card with the number two on it.

    a playing card in a standard deck featuring two pips.

    Example

    He played a two of hearts to start the game.

    Example

    In many card games, the two is the lowest-ranking card unless specific rules designate it as a wild card.
Origin

PIE word *dwóh₁ From Middle English two, twa, from Old English twā, feminine and neuter of twēġen (whence twain), from Proto-West Germanic twai-, from Proto-Germanic twai, from Proto-Indo-European *dwóh₁. Cognates Cognate with Scots twa (“two”); North Frisian tou, tuu (“two”); Saterland Frisian twäin, two (“two”); West Frisian twa (“two”); Dutch twee (“two”); Low German twee, twei (“two”); German zwei, zwo (“two”); Danish and Norwegian to (“two”); Swedish två, tu (“two”); Icelandic tvö (“two”); Faroese tvey (“two”); Latin duō (“two”); Ancient Greek δύο (dúo, “two”); Irish dhá (“two”); Lithuanian dù (“two”); Russian два (dva, “two”); Albanian dy (“two”); Old Armenian երկու (erku, “two”); Sanskrit द्व (dvá, “two”); Tocharian A wu, Tocharian B wi. Doublet of duo. See also twain. Unrelated to similar words in Austronesian languages such as Malagasy roa; Tagalog and Cebuano dalawa; West Coast Bajau and Minangkabau duo; Buginese ᨉᨘᨓ (dua); Indonesian, Malay, Iban, Iranun, Ilocano, and Sundanese dua; Fijian, Māori, Rapa Nui, and Rotuman rua; Tongan and Niuean ua; Wallisian, Samoan, and Hawaiian lua; and South Marquesan 'ua; which originated from Proto-Austronesian *duSa.

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