double tap

American  

[duhb-uhl tap] / ˈdʌb əl ˈtæp /

noun

1. the technique or act of shooting a target twice in rapid succession.

   If a double tap to the chest fails to stop an attacker, the next shot is aimed at the head.

---

double tap British  

noun

1. an act of firing a gun twice in rapid succession

   a double tap to the head

---

Etymology

Origin of double tap

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

“We’re worried about a double tap, for lack of a better term,” Jay said.

From Slate • Oct. 27, 2025

A user can swipe left or right to adjust volume, tap to play, pause and skip music, or double tap to answer and end phone calls.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 9, 2021

"Reposting the tweet is like a double tap for clicks. Not a sincere apology if you leave the link there," wrote one Twitter user.

From Fox News • Oct. 18, 2018

Judging by the double tap of his chest and hug of Wilmore in response, the president appreciated the gesture.

From Washington Post • May 2, 2016

He gave the stack of cardboards a solid-sounding double tap on the desk surface, as one taps a deck of cards, then dropped the stack back into the bottom drawer and closed the drawer.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger