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

Fans used to seeing the Kansas City Chiefs star all suited up for football games or a night out with gf Taylor Swift may do a double take at the (literally) wild spread. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 13 Aug. 2025

Anthony does a double take, yet Kyle repeats it. —Emma Soren, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2025

Also spotted in the crowd: Miles Teller, Andy Cohen and designer James Perse — though none drew as many double takes as the former speaker of the House, who was clearly leaning into the vibe. —Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2025

As Ward thrived, first at Incarnate Word, then at Washington State, those same college coaches were forced to do a double take. —Jeff Howe, New York Times, 30 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for double take

• overtake
• rattlesnake
• shiitake
• undertake
• wapentake
• ache
• ake
• bake
• brake
• break
• cake
• craik

Kids 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