twice

American  

[twahys] / twaɪs /

adverb

1. two times, as in succession.

   Write twice a week.

2. on two occasions; in two instances.

   I phoned him twice.

3. in twofold quantity or degree; in double the amount or degree.

   twice as much.

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twice British  

/ twaɪs /

adverb

1. two times; on two occasions or in two cases

   he coughed twice

2. double in degree or quantity

   twice as long

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twice Idioms  

1. see cheap at twice the price; lightning never strikes twice; once bitten, twice shy; think twice.

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Etymology

Origin of twice

before 1150; Middle English twies, equivalent to twie twice ( Old English twige, cognate with Old Frisian twīa, Old Saxon tuuīo; see twi-) + -s -s ¹

Example Sentences

Twice in the last three years, and also in 2011, Repole brought a promising horse to the Derby and had to scratch him before post time.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

I have a confession, and it is not particularly chic: Twice a year, like clockwork, I crave Cajun chicken pasta.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

Twice in the past three decades, the San Antonio Spurs have sunk to the bottom of the standings and been rewarded with the top pick in the draft.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

Twice the away side took the lead, only for a Youssef Chermiti hat-trick to transform the game and give Danny Rohl's side a 4-2 win.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

Twice as much food, a larger shelter—it changed things.

From "The River" by Gary Paulsen