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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of double-decker

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Example Sentences

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

They mounted double-decker buses and utility poles, waved flags, lit bonfires and danced the Hokey Pokey around a statue of Queen Victoria.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 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

In 2021, First Bus in Glasgow confirmed that it was investing in a fleet of 120 single and double-decker buses which could be charged very quickly overnight before spending 18 hours on the road.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

Only once, when their connecting flight in London was delayed, did they leave Heathrow and take a double-decker bus tour of the city.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri