double take
noun
dou·ble take
ˈdə-bəl-ˌtāk 
: 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
Carbon dioxide causes double takes, where mosquitoes slow down near the target.
—
David Hu, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2026
In photos from their viral outing, Brooks, Mary Holland, Grace Ann and Sarah Jane were seen exiting a gray van before strutting down the sidewalks of the Big Apple, earning double takes from passersby.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 16 Mar. 2026
The thing with Isa and Sepi doing a double take — that was improv.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026
The moments yielded more valuable lessons but also amusing moments, including a double take of laughter when a young Black student named Ryan Cooper from the Bay Area asked a question to Ryan Coogler from the Bay Area.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for double take
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David Hu, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2026
In photos from their viral outing, Brooks, Mary Holland, Grace Ann and Sarah Jane were seen exiting a gray van before strutting down the sidewalks of the Big Apple, earning double takes from passersby.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 16 Mar. 2026
The thing with Isa and Sepi doing a double take — that was improv.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026
The moments yielded more valuable lessons but also amusing moments, including a double take of laughter when a young Black student named Ryan Cooper from the Bay Area asked a question to Ryan Coogler from the Bay Area.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for double take
Cite this Entry
“Double take.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20take. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
double take
noun
dou·ble take
ˈdəb-əl-ˌtāk
: a delayed reaction to a surprising or unusual situation after first failing to notice anything unusual
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