double-time

1 of 2

verb

dou·​ble-time ˈdə-bəl-ˌtīm How to pronounce double-time (audio)
double-timed; double-timing; double-times
Synonyms of double-timenext

intransitive verb

: to move at double time

double time

2 of 2

noun

1
: a marching cadence of 180 30-inch steps per minute
2
: payment of a worker at twice the regular wage rate

Examples of double-time in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Funny enough, this wasn't even O'Quinn's first time doing double-time on a show. — Christian Holub, EW.com, 16 Sep. 2024 This is received with loud groans only partially alleviated by the promise of double-time pay. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024 At the time, the company said the sticking point in negotiations was steelworkers' request for double-time pay for hours worked beyond a regular shift. — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
The overtime category includes both double time pay and standard overtime. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2026 Part of the decrease is that the new company’s employees will no longer routinely work weekends, which are time-and-a-half or double time, unless called in to do so. — Sacbee.com, 11 July 2025 Its crystal ball discerns patterns to predict what styles will blow up—then guides the requisite design, sourcing, and inventory decisions in double time. — Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025 Those employees would include nonexempt hourly workers who were allegedly denied minimum wage, overtime, double time and other benefits. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Overtime or double time paid solely under California law does not independently qualify. — Fennemore, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026 This year, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 25, so taking off the following Tuesday and Wednesday means extending your weekend by double time. — Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Dec. 2025 Mayor Pro-Tem Monica Wilson questioned whether the APD would heavily rely on its officers’ double time or seek help from outside agencies. — Hema Sivanandam, The Mercury News, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1886, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of double-time was in 1853

Rhymes for double-time

See All Rhymes for double-time

Browse Nearby Words

double-throw switch
double-time
double time
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Double-time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double-time. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

double-time

1 of 2 verb
dou·​ble-time
ˈdəb-əl-ˌtīm
: to move at double time

double time

2 of 2 noun
1
: a marching rate of 180 steps per minute
2
: payment of a worker at twice the regular wage rate
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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