double up
B1 neutral mixed both
In simple words
To share something (like a room or a bed), to fold over from pain or laughter, or to become twice as much.
Literal meaning: To fold something up into two layers, or to become two of something.
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To share a room, bed, or space with another person because of limited availability.
"There weren't enough rooms, so some of the team had to double up."
2 B1
idiomatic
neutral
To bend sharply at the waist due to pain or laughter.
"She doubled up with laughter when she heard the punchline."
3 B1 neutral
To increase or multiply something by two; to serve a dual purpose.
"The sofa doubles up as a guest bed when we have visitors."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Has several distinct senses. The sharing sense is common in accommodation contexts. The bending sense overlaps with 'double over'. Context makes the meaning clear.
Commonly used with
room bed pain laughter dose bet profits
Forms
Base
double up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
doubles up
he/she/it
Past simple
doubled up
yesterday
Past participle
doubled up
have + pp
-ing form
doubling up
continuous
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