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double-decker

American  
[duhb-uhl-dek-er] / ˈdʌb əlˈdɛk ər /

noun

  1. something with two decks, tiers, or the like, as two beds one above the other, a ship with two decks above the water line, or a bus with two decks.

  2. a food item consisting of two main layers, as a sandwich made with three slices of bread and two layers of filling.


double-decker British  

noun

  1. a bus with two passenger decks

  2. informal

    1. a thing or structure having two decks, layers, etc

    2. ( as modifier )

      a double-decker sandwich

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of double-decker

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

They took an old double-decker bus, removed the roof, and retrofitted the rest, instead of just renting a tour bus.

From Salon Jun. 23, 2026

Before long, her Instagram page was filled with photos from Wimbledon and double-decker busses.

From BBC Jun. 10, 2026

Outside the venue, a double-decker bus was parked with signage advertising the LP, which is called “The Boys of Dungeon Lane” after a road in his Liverpool hometown.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 28, 2026

Inaugurated in 1863, the tram is one of the world's oldest, and among only a few to operate double-decker cars.

From Barron's Feb. 25, 2026

We find Room 16 and settle into a double-decker trolley with twenty other people.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera

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