double take

noun

dou·​ble take ˈdə-bəl-ˌtāk How to pronounce double take (audio)
: a delayed reaction to a surprising or significant situation after an initial failure to notice anything unusual
—usually used in the phrase do a double take

Examples of double take in a Sentence

His parents did a double take when he came home with a tattoo.
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.
Rice plays Cori Mulligan, the kind of girl that makes people do a double take. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 10 Aug. 2026 Complementing again in their go-to black, the pair’s attendance at a fashion awards ceremony in September 2016 deserved a double take. — Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026 Conan O’Brien is surely getting a lot of double takes these days. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 21 July 2026 Jennifer Love Hewitt had fans doing a double take with her lightest hair color in 12 years. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for double take

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of double take was in 1930

Rhymes for double take

See All Rhymes for double take

Browse Nearby Words

doublet
double take
double-talk
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Double take.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20take. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

double take

noun
dou·​ble take ˈdəb-əl-ˌtāk How to pronounce double take (audio)
: a delayed reaction to a surprising or unusual situation after first failing to notice anything unusual
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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