1 C1 informal
To leave or depart in pairs, or to share a space with another person. (Rare and non-standard — prefer 'double up' or 'pair off'.)
"The soldiers doubled off in pairs to cover more ground."
double off
C1 informal intransitive
A rare or non-standard variant, possibly meaning to share a space or to leave paired with another.
In plain English
To share or go off in pairs — though this expression is rarely used and may not be widely understood.
What does "double off" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To go off as a double (pair).
Actually means
To share or go off in pairs — though this expression is rarely used and may not be widely understood.
Usage tip
Extremely rare and not standard. Some speakers may use it to mean doubling up to share a room or departing in twos, but 'double up' or 'pair off' are always preferable. ESL learners should avoid this form.
How to conjugate "double off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
double off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
doubles off
he/she/it
Past simple
doubled off
yesterday
Past participle
doubled off
have + pp
-ing form
doubling off
continuous
Hear "double off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "double off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.