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
Near the Convention Hall, a double take becomes a selfie request.
—
Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Sep. 2025
Universal Thread Bucket Shoulder Bag Kate Spade’s Halo Bucket Bag is known for its everyday wearability, and this Target style is a double take-worthy alternative.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025
Attendees did double takes at the bags, which looked curiously similar to a Hermès Kelly bag but were likely a continuation of her Lee Radziwill bag collection.
—Anika Reed, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
And who else did a double take upon learning Dame Sylvia and Arthur are wife and husband?
—Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for double take
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Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Sep. 2025
Universal Thread Bucket Shoulder Bag Kate Spade’s Halo Bucket Bag is known for its everyday wearability, and this Target style is a double take-worthy alternative.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025
Attendees did double takes at the bags, which looked curiously similar to a Hermès Kelly bag but were likely a continuation of her Lee Radziwill bag collection.
—Anika Reed, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
And who else did a double take upon learning Dame Sylvia and Arthur are wife and husband?
—Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 29 Aug. 2025
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 29 Sep. 2025.
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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