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

But just as shoppers might be feeling a little more stable about their morning scramble, an egg recall due to has many doing a double take at the carton. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025

And one particular quick change scene involving Christian and Satine had audience members doing a double take. —Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 June 2025

The flybridge has a reverse radar arch that prompts a double take, while the remainder of the exterior focuses on open space (case in point, the foredeck), along with the beautiful design of the cockpit and stern area. —Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 28 May 2025

Valerie Bertinelli’s latest Instagram post is making fans do a double take. —Erin Clements, People.com, 24 Apr. 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