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
Plenty of listeners likely did a double take when Parker McCollum’s new single premiered on radio stations and streaming playlists on Sept. 13.
—
Tom Roland, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2024
Trevor Rogers is the boom or bust acquisition of the bunch
The Rogers trade inspired double takes, in part because of the 26-year-old left-hander’s 4.53 ERA and in part because the Orioles gave up infielder Connor Norby and outfielder Kyle Stowers, both potential everyday players.
—Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 2 Aug. 2024
So, at recent events residents have been doing a double take.
—Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 26 July 2024
His version of a double take was a blank stare, his weapon the throwaway ironic remark.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for double take 
Tom Roland, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2024
Trevor Rogers is the boom or bust acquisition of the bunch
The Rogers trade inspired double takes, in part because of the 26-year-old left-hander’s 4.53 ERA and in part because the Orioles gave up infielder Connor Norby and outfielder Kyle Stowers, both potential everyday players.
—Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 2 Aug. 2024
So, at recent events residents have been doing a double take.
—Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 26 July 2024
His version of a double take was a blank stare, his weapon the throwaway ironic remark.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 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 29 Sep. 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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