How to pronounce double
Say it like DUHB-ul. Double has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DUHB).
- DUHB
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Double pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DUHBSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of double
American and British speakers say double in essentially the same way: /ˈdʌbəl/ in the US and /ˈdʌbəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: DUHB-ul.
What does double mean?
- increase twofold“The population doubled within 50 years”
- hit a two-base hit
- bend over or curl up, usually with laughter or pain“He doubled and vomited violently”
- having more than one decidedly dissimilar aspects or qualities“a double (or dual) role for an actor”“the office of a clergyman is twofold; public preaching and private influence”
- consisting of or involving two parts or components usually in pairs“an egg with a double yolk”“a double (binary) star”
- twice as great or many“ate a double portion”“the dose is doubled”
- a base hit on which the batter stops safely at second base“he hit a double to deep centerfield”
- a stand-in for movie stars to perform dangerous stunts“his first job in Hollywood was as a double for Clark Gable”
- someone who closely resembles a famous person (especially an actor)“he could be Gingrich's double”“she's the very image of her mother”
Where does double come from?
From Middle English double, from Old French doble, double, from Latin duplus (“twofold”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with double
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of double.
Questions about saying double
How do you pronounce double?
Say DUHB-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˈdʌbəl/. In British English it is /ˈdʌbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in double?
Double has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DUHB). Broken into parts: DUHB · ul.
Do Americans and Brits say double the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdʌbəl/ and the British form is /ˈdʌbəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.