twin
Pluraltwins
Pluraltwins
- 1One of two children born to the same mother at the same birth.
Like two puppies from the same litter, born together on the same day.
Her twin looks just like her but acts completely differently.
The twins were born only two minutes apart.
- 2
- 3Born at the same birth as another child, as part of a pair.
Her twin sisters share a birthday and a bedroom.
The twin boys were almost impossible to tell apart.
- 4One of two things that look alike or are closely matched.
Like two copies printed from the same photo.
This vase is the twin of the one on the shelf.
The two towers were twins, identical down to the last window.
Similarcounterpart, double, duplicate, match, replica
- 5A single bed or mattress, made for one person, in the smallest standard size.
She bought a twin for the guest room.
Each kid has a twin in the shared bedroom.
UsageDo not confuse a twin bed with a twin room, which has two separate beds.
Similarsingle
Note
- 6A hotel room that has two separate single beds.
We booked a twin so the kids could each have a bed.
The hotel only had twins left, not doubles.
UsageA twin has two beds; a double has one big bed.
- 7
Less common meanings
- 8
- 9To be very much like someone or something, or to match them, for example by wearing the same clothes.
The two friends twin whenever they go out together.
On match days the sisters twin in matching jerseys.
UsageOften we're twinning: we're dressed the same.
Similarmatch
Note
- 10To give birth to two babies at the same time.
Cows rarely twin, usually having just one calf.
The ewe twinned again this spring.
Note
- 11An airplane that has two engines.
The pilot trained on a small twin before flying jets.
Light twins are popular for short regional flights.
Note
- 12A crystal of two or more parts that grew together, each turned or flipped in a fixed way compared to the others.
- 13An old or Scottish use meaning to separate things, or to part from each other and go away.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origins
From Old English words for 'twin' or 'double', which came from an old root meaning 'two'.
Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- Twin derives from Old English words meaning 'twin' or 'double'. en.wiktionary.org
- Those Old English words ultimately derive from a root meaning 'two'. en.wiktionary.org
From an Old English adjective meaning 'twin' or 'double', from an old root meaning 'two'.
Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- The word derives from an Old English adjective meaning 'twin' or 'double'. en.wiktionary.org
- Its ultimate root means 'two'. en.wiktionary.org