1
: having a twofold relation or character : dual
2
: consisting of two usually combined members or parts
an egg with a double yolk
3
a
: being twice as great or as many
double the number of expected applicants
b
of a coin
: worth two of the specified amount
a double eagle
a double crown
4
: marked by duplicity : deceitful
5
: folded in two
6
: of extra size, strength, or value
a double martini
7
: having more than the normal number of floral leaves often at the expense of the sporophylls
8
of rhyme
: involving correspondence of two syllables (as in exciting and inviting)
9
: designed for the use of two persons
a double room
a double bed
doubleness
noun
doubled; doubling
ˈdə-b(ə-)liŋ
1
: to make twice as great or as many: such as
a
: to increase by adding an equal amount
b
: to amount to twice the number of
c
: to make a call in bridge that increases the value of odd tricks or undertricks at (an opponent's bid)
2
a
: to bend or fold (something, such as a sheet of paper) usually in the middle so that one part lies directly against the other part
b
: clench
doubled his fist
c
: to cause to stoop
4
a
: to replace in a dramatic role
b
: to play (dramatic roles) by doubling
5
a(1)
: to advance or score (a base runner) by a double
(2)
: to bring about the scoring of (a run) by a double
b
: to put out (a base runner) in completing a double play
6
: double-team
Jackson's absence was supposed to allow defenses to double Gates.—Jim Trotter
1
a
: to become twice as much or as many
b
: to double a bid (as in bridge)
2
a
: to turn sharply and suddenly
especially
: to turn back on one's course
the rabbit doubled back on its tracks
b
: to follow a circuitous course
3
: to become bent or folded usually in the middle
—usually used with up
she doubled up in pain
4
a
: to serve an additional purpose or perform an additional duty
b
: to play a dramatic role as a double
5
: to make a double in baseball
1
: to twice the extent or amount
2
: two together
the children had to sleep double
3
: downward and forward from the usual position
he was bent double with pain
1
: something twice the usual size, strength, speed, quantity, or value: such as
a
: a double amount
b
: a base hit that enables the batter to reach second base
2
: one that is the counterpart of another : duplicate: such as
a
: a living person that closely resembles another living person
b
: wraith
c(1)
(2)
: one who resembles an actor and takes the actor's place especially in scenes calling for special skills
(3)
: an actor who plays more than one role in a production
3
a
: a sharp turn (as in running) : reversal
b
: an evasive shift
4
: something consisting of two paired members: such as
a
: fold
b
: a combined bet placed on two different contests
c
: two consecutive strikes in bowling
5
doubles plural
: a game between two pairs of players
6
: an act of doubling in a card game
7
: a room (as in a hotel) for two guests compare single sense 4
see also:
Cite this Entry
“Double.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.
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