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couple

[ˈkʌpl]

couple Definition

  • 1two individuals or things of the same sort considered together
  • 2a small number of
  • 3two people who are married or in a romantic relationship

Using couple: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "couple" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    I need a couple of minutes to finish this task.

  • Example

    A couple of friends came over for dinner.

  • Example

    They have been a couple for five years now.

  • Example

    The couple decided to adopt a child.

couple Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for couple

Idioms Using couple

  • a couple of sandwiches short of a picnic

    not very intelligent or mentally unstable

    Example

    I don't think he understands what's going on. He's a couple of sandwiches short of a picnic.

  • a couple of shakes

    a very short period of time

    Example

    I'll be ready in a couple of shakes.

  • a brief conversation or discussion

    Example

    Can I have a couple of words with you in private?

Phrases with couple

  • a small number of something, usually two

    Example

    Can I borrow a couple of dollars?

  • a pair of people who are very different from each other and often do not get along well

    Example

    They are an odd couple, but they make it work.

  • a couple consisting of two people who are both influential or successful in their own right

    Example

    They are a power couple in the entertainment industry.

Origins of couple

from Old French 'cople', from Latin 'copula', meaning 'a bond'

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Summary: couple in Brief

The term 'couple' [ˈkʌpl] refers to two individuals or things of the same sort considered together, or a small number of something. It also denotes two people who are married or in a romantic relationship, as in 'They have been a couple for five years now.' 'Couple' is used in phrases like 'a couple of something,' and idioms like 'a couple of sandwiches short of a picnic,' meaning not very intelligent, and 'a couple of shakes,' meaning a very short period of time.

How do native speakers use this expression?