double up Definition

double
adj

1. Made up of two similar parts; paired; in pairs.

Thesaurus: twin, coupled, paired, dual, twofold, duplex.
2. Twice the weight, size, etc, or twice the usual weight, size, etc.

Thesaurus: twice, duplicate, doubled, twofold.
3. For two people.

Example: a double bed
4. Ambiguous.

Example: double meaning
5. Said of a musical instrument: sounding an octave lower.

Example: double bass

adverb

1. Twice.
2. With one half over the other.

Example: folded double

noun

1. A double quantity.
2. A duplicate or lookalike.
3. An actor's stand-in, used especially in dangerous scenes.
4. A double measure of alcoholic spirit.
5. A racing bet in which any winnings from the first stake become a stake in a subsequent race.
6. A win in two events on the same racing programme. See separate entry doubles.

verb doubled, doubling

tr & intr
1. To make or become twice as large in size, number, etc.
intr
2. To have a second use or function.

Example: The spare bed doubles as a couch
intr
3. To turn round sharply.

Idiom: at the double (on the double)

Very quickly.

Idiom: double or quits

In gambling: the alternative, left to chance, of doubling or cancelling payment.

Etymology: 13c: from French doble, from Latin duplus.

Phrasal Verb: double back

To turn and go back, often by a different route.

Phrasal Verb: double for someone

To act as their substitute.

Phrasal Verb: double something over

To fold one half of it over the other.

Phrasal Verb: double up

To bend sharply at the waist, especially through pain.To share a bedroom with another person.