VocabularyBasePractice words

Meaning & use

a double

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ə ˈdʌbl/
US/ə ˈdʌbl/

Meanings

  1. nouncountableinformal

    A drink that contains twice the usual amount of a strong alcoholic drink.

    Grammar: Countable: a double, two doubles. Often used after a drink name: a double whiskey.

    Patterns

    • a double whiskey
    • order a double

    He asked for a double whiskey, no ice.

    I'll have a double, please — it's been a long day.

    Two doubles and a beer, please.

  2. nouncountablesport

    A win in two important competitions or games in the same season.

    Grammar: Usually singular in this sense: the double. Often used with win or do.

    Patterns

    • win the double
    • do the double

    The team won the double last year — the league and the cup.

    They are hoping to do the double again this season.

    Winning the double is a rare achievement.

  3. nouncountable

    A room with two beds, especially in a hotel.

    Grammar: Countable: a double, two doubles. Often used in the phrase a double room.

    Patterns

    • book a double
    • a double room

    We booked a double for two nights.

    The hotel only had doubles left.

    I'd like a double with a view, please.

Word forms

pluraldoubles

Common combinations

a double whiskey
He ordered a double whiskey at the bar.
win the double
The club hopes to win the double this season.
book a double
We booked a double in a small hotel.
a double room
A double room usually has one large bed or two beds.

Synonyms and how they differ

large
In drink orders, 'large' can mean a bigger serving, but it does not always mean exactly twice the amount like a double.
twin
A twin room has two single beds, while a double room usually has one large bed.

Opposites

single

Word family

double adjective
Twice as much or having two parts: a double portion.
double verb
To make something twice as much, or to become twice as much.
doubles noun
A game, especially tennis, played by two pairs of players.

Commonly confused: a double or single?

a double vs single

A single is a drink with the usual amount, or a room with one bed; a double has twice the amount or two beds.

Practice

In a bar, what does 'a double' usually mean?

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a double”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Your sentence stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.

Explore more words