pair
a set of two similar things considered as a unit
How often you will meet it
Rank 1,174 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 15,655 times across 175,112 chapters — 0.007% of every word in the library.
What it means
noun
- a set of two similar things considered as a unit also: brace
- two items of the same kind also: couple, twosome, twain, brace, span, yoke
- two people considered as a unit
- a poker hand with 2 cards of the same value
verb
- form a pair or pairs also: pair off, partner off, couple The two old friends paired off
- bring two objects, ideas, or people together also: match, mate, couple, twin This fact is coupled to the other oneMatchmaker, can you match my daughter with a nice young man?
- occur in pairs also: geminate
- arrange in pairs also: geminate Pair these numbers
pair in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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A pair of twinkling blue eyes and a humorously quirked mouth redeemed his countenance from commonplaceness.
The Riverman · Stewart Edward White · Chapter 1
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Dobbs and his rib were perhaps the most divided pair that ever were yoked by Hymen.
Sketches by Seymour — Volume 04 · Robert Seymour · Chapter 1
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Over her cheap white muslin curtains (eight and eleven a pair at Robson's) she hung Turkey-red draperies.
Emily Fox-Seton · Frances Hodgson Burnett · Chapter 1
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The very day before, he had declared himself ruined by the purchase of a pair of shoes for Maxence.
Other People's Money · Emile Gaboriau · Chapter 1
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He put his money into a pair of red curtains, and one excellent photogravure of Landseer's "Children of the Mist."
The Hill: A Romance of Friendship · Horace Annesley Vachell · Chapter 1