double
DUHB-uhl
Double (adj) means Twice the usual size, amount, or number, or consisting of two matching parts. Example: “The recipe asks for a double portion of flour to make a bigger cake.”
adj
1
Twice the usual size, amount, or number, or consisting of two matching parts.
"The recipe asks for a double portion of flour to make a bigger cake."
"We ordered a double espresso to stay awake for the drive."
"The hotel room came with a double bed."
verb
1
To make or become twice as large.
"If you double the recipe, you will need a much larger pan."
"The company doubled its profits within two years."
"Prices have doubled since the pandemic began."
noun
1
A person who closely resembles and can stand in for another, often in film for dangerous stunts.
"The singer's double looked so similar that fans waved at him in the street."
"The lead actor hired a double to ride the horse in the dangerous scenes."
"The actress used a stunt double for the car chase scene."
How to use double
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething twice as much, or a copy/lookalike of someone or something.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
double the amount
stunt double
double up
double back
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like double.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- doubles
- Third person singular
- doubles
- Past tense
- doubled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The recipe asks for a _____ portion of flour to make a bigger cake.
Etymology
From Old French doble, ultimately from Latin duplus, "twofold."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for double
See all rhymes for double →Frequently asked questions
What does “double” mean?
The word “double” means twice the usual size, amount, or number, or consisting of two matching parts. In plain terms, something twice as much, or a copy/lookalike of someone or something.
How do you pronounce “double”?
“Double” is pronounced DUHB-uhl (/ˈdʌb.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “double” in a sentence?
Here is “double” used in a sentence: “We ordered a double espresso to stay awake for the drive.”
What is another word for “double”?
Words with a similar meaning to “double” include twin and twofold.
What is the opposite of “double”?
The opposite of “double” — its antonyms — are half, halve and bisect.
What part of speech is “double”?
Depending on how it is used, “double” can be an adjective, a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “double” come from?
The word “double” comes from Latin. From Old French doble, ultimately from Latin duplus, "twofold.".
Is “double” a common word?
“Double” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between double and dual?
Double usually means twice as much or two of the same thing, as in a double portion or double doors. Dual means having two parts, roles or aspects, as in dual nationality or dual controls. Double emphasises quantity or repetition; dual emphasises a twofold nature. They are related but not interchangeable.
What is the opposite of double?
The most common opposite is single, meaning one rather than two, as with a single room versus a double. When double refers to an amount, the opposite is half, since doubling and halving reverse each other. Both single and half work depending on whether you mean number or quantity.
What is an example of double as an adjective?
A double room sleeps two people, a double whisky is twice the standard measure, and double doors are a matching pair. 'Double' can also describe a folded or twofold thing, like a double layer of fabric. In each case it signals either twice the amount or two matching parts.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include double:
