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
In a recent TikTok shared to her official account, the renowned chef and restauranteur, 54, showed friends and fans alike a childhood favorite dish that’s making many do a double take.
—
Angel Saunders, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
For instance, scientists who first spotted Hallucigenia probably did a double take.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
While the original video caught attention due to the teen's voice – which the majority of the public hadn't heard before – Barron's similar appearance to his dad also made some people do a double take.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
As black town cars snaked down Wall Street from 5.30 p.m., onlookers leaving the office craned their necks and did a double take inside the temporary tent popped up outside Cipriani.
—Freya Drohan, Vogue, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for double take 
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Angel Saunders, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
For instance, scientists who first spotted Hallucigenia probably did a double take.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
While the original video caught attention due to the teen's voice – which the majority of the public hadn't heard before – Barron's similar appearance to his dad also made some people do a double take.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
As black town cars snaked down Wall Street from 5.30 p.m., onlookers leaving the office craned their necks and did a double take inside the temporary tent popped up outside Cipriani.
—Freya Drohan, Vogue, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for double take
Articles Related to double take
Dictionary Entries Near double take
Cite this Entry
“Double take.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20take. Accessed 30 Dec. 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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