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double up

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double up

(on someone or something) [for people] to deal with someone or something in pairs. We are going to have to double up in this job. We will double up and get it done.

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double up (with laughter)

Fig. to laugh so hard that one bends over. We all just doubled up with laughter. I doubled up when I heard the punch line.

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double up (with someone)

to share with someone. We don't have enough books. Tom, will you double up with Jane? When we get more books, we won't have to double up anymore.

See also: double, up

double up (with somebody)

to share a room or or living situation with others The two boys will have to double up in the front bedroom.

See also: double, up

double up

1. Bend over suddenly, as in pain or laughter. For example, She doubled up with a cramp. [Late 1800s]

2. Share accommodations meant for one person, as in The hotel ran out of rooms, so we had to double up. [Late 1700s]

See also: double, up

double up

v.

1. To bend at the waist suddenly, out of pain or intense laughter: We doubled up in laughter watching the old movies.

2. To cause someone to bend at the waist suddenly, as out of pain or intense laughter: That joke absolutely doubled me up!

3. To arrange something in pairs: We doubled up the children in the downstairs bedrooms.

4. To be arranged in pairs: The children doubled up, and each pair took a turn on the swings. If the crew doubles up, they can finish this job in half the time.

5. To do or use twice as much of something as usual: I didn't go to the gym yesterday, so I'm doubling up on my workout today. The clothes are filthy, so double up on detergent.

6. To share between two people something meant for one: There aren't enough beds for everyone, so they had to double up.

7. To perform two functions simultaneously: The new band has a lead singer who doubles up on keyboards. My key ring doubles up as a bottle opener.

See also: double, up