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
Kendall Jenner's latest look is bound to inspire a few double takes.
—
Meg Walters, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026
That sealed a 9-6 victory for Canada that looked very unlikely half an hour before when Mouat, arguably the best shot-maker on the planet, uncorked another double take-out to give the British a 5-4 lead after six ends.
—Matt Slater, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2026
Jep Jacinto, a Tampa resident better known in the street dancing community as JepStar, did a double take.
—Christopher Spata, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026
Still, while the couple have experienced different chapters throughout their relationship, Guy's recent transformation had Lori doing a double take.
—Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for double take
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Meg Walters, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026
That sealed a 9-6 victory for Canada that looked very unlikely half an hour before when Mouat, arguably the best shot-maker on the planet, uncorked another double take-out to give the British a 5-4 lead after six ends.
—Matt Slater, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2026
Jep Jacinto, a Tampa resident better known in the street dancing community as JepStar, did a double take.
—Christopher Spata, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026
Still, while the couple have experienced different chapters throughout their relationship, Guy's recent transformation had Lori doing a double take.
—Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 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 11 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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