num
Uncommon
twain
twayn
Twain (num) means an old-fashioned or literary word meaning "two". Example: “The rope was cut in twain.”
num
1
An old-fashioned or literary word meaning "two".
"The rope was cut in twain."
noun
1
A pair; two things or people together.
""Never the twain shall meet," the saying goes."
How to use twain
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old word for "two", now mostly seen in set phrases and older writing.
When to use it
Archaic and literary — rarely used outside fixed expressions like "never the twain shall meet".
Common pairings
never the twain shall meet
split in twain
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Word forms
- Plural
- twains
- Third person singular
- twains
- Past tense
- twained
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The rope was cut in _____.
Etymology
From Old English twegen, "two" (masculine form), the same root behind the modern word "two"; it survived mainly in older or poetic English.
Related words
Rhymes for twain
See all rhymes for twain →Frequently asked questions
What does “twain” mean?
The word “twain” means an old-fashioned or literary word meaning "two". In plain terms, an old word for "two", now mostly seen in set phrases and older writing.
How do you pronounce “twain”?
“Twain” is pronounced twayn (/tweɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “twain” in a sentence?
Here is “twain” used in a sentence: “The rope was cut in twain.”
What part of speech is “twain”?
Depending on how it is used, “twain” can be a num and a noun.
Where does the word “twain” come from?
The word “twain” comes from Old English. From Old English twegen, "two" (masculine form), the same root behind the modern word "two"; it survived mainly in older or poetic English.
Is “twain” a common word?
“Twain” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “twain” have?
“Twain” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an old-fashioned or literary word meaning "two".
