Double as Meaning in English

expression

US

UK

Definition

To have a second function or role in addition to the main one; to also be used as something else.

Usage & Nuances

'Double as' is informal and usually describes objects, roles, or people that serve two purposes. Often appears as 'X doubles as Y'. Not to be confused with 'double for' (which means to replace or substitute someone, often as a stand-in).

• Spanish: servir también como - hacer el papel de
• Portuguese (BR): servir também como - fazer o papel de
• Portuguese (PT): servir também como - fazer o papel de
• Chinese (Simplified): 兼作 - 也可用作
• Chinese (Traditional): 兼作 - 也可用作
• Hindi: दोहरा काम करना - एक और भूमिका निभाना
• Arabic: يعمل أيضاً كـ - يقوم بدور آخر
• Bengali: দ্বৈত ব্যবহার হওয়া - দু'টি কাজে লাগা
• Russian: служить одновременно - выполнять двойную функцию
• Japanese: 兼用する - 兼ねる
• Vietnamese: kiêm luôn - dùng làm thêm
• Korean: 겸하다 - 두 가지 역할을 하다
• Turkish: çift işlev görmek - aynı anda başka bir amaçla kullanılmak
• Urdu: دوہرے طور پر استعمال ہونا - ایک ساتھ دو کام کرنا
• Indonesian: berfungsi ganda - merangkap

Example Sentences

My desk doubles as a dining table.

basic

This sofa doubles as a bed.

basic

Her phone doubles as a camera.

basic

My backpack doubles as a pillow when I travel.

natural

He doubles as both the chef and the waiter at his restaurant.

natural

The lid doubles as a cutting board, which is super convenient.

natural