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
Sheppard, who averaged posted 12.5 points, 4.5 assists and 2.5 steals per game in his one-and-done season with Kentucky, fared well at the draft combine last month, posting a 42-inch vertical leap that had people doing a double take.
—
Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2024
Erin Napier’s latest Instagram photo had fans doing a double take.
—Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024
The play zings with sitcom energy, pratfalls, physical bits, and double takes fueling the comedy as much as the sharp script.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 18 Mar. 2024
Then, Drake steps in and throws an alley that would make D Wade do a double take.
—Damien Scott, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for double take 
Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2024
Erin Napier’s latest Instagram photo had fans doing a double take.
—Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024
The play zings with sitcom energy, pratfalls, physical bits, and double takes fueling the comedy as much as the sharp script.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 18 Mar. 2024
Then, Drake steps in and throws an alley that would make D Wade do a double take.
—Damien Scott, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for double take
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'double take.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Double take.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20take. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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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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