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
Escola’s performance in the title role — costumed primarily in a black taffeta hoop-skirt gown and a ridiculous wig of ringlets topped by a severe bun — is a master class in razor-sharp comic timing, shady double takes and giddy physical comedy.
—
David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
The show, held at the brand’s historic couture salon on Avenue George V on Wednesday, had guests doing double takes as several stars showed up with their stylish daughters.
—Joelle Diderich, WWD, 26 June 2024
Sheppard, who averaged posted 12.5 points, 4.5 assists and 2.5 steals per game in his one-and-done season with Kentucky, fared well at the draft combine last month, posting a 42-inch vertical leap that had people doing a double take.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2024
Erin Napier’s latest Instagram photo had fans doing a double take.
—Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for double take 
David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
The show, held at the brand’s historic couture salon on Avenue George V on Wednesday, had guests doing double takes as several stars showed up with their stylish daughters.
—Joelle Diderich, WWD, 26 June 2024
Sheppard, who averaged posted 12.5 points, 4.5 assists and 2.5 steals per game in his one-and-done season with Kentucky, fared well at the draft combine last month, posting a 42-inch vertical leap that had people doing a double take.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2024
Erin Napier’s latest Instagram photo had fans doing a double take.
—Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for double take
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'double take.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to double take
Dictionary Entries Near double take
Cite this Entry
“Double take.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20take. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share