Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense pairs, present participle pairing, past tense, past participle paired
1. countable noun
A pairof things are two things of the same size and shape that are used together or are both part of something, for example shoes, earrings, or parts of the body.
...a pair of socks. [+ of]
...trainers that cost up to 90 pounds a pair.
72,000 pairs of hands clapped in unison to the song. [+ of]
Synonyms: set, match, combination, doublet More Synonyms of pair
2. countable noun
Some objects that have two main parts of the same size and shape are referred to as a pair, for example a pair of trousers or a pair of scissors.
...a pair of faded jeans. [+ of]
...a pair of binoculars. [+ of]
3. singular noun
You can refer to two people as a pair when they are standing or walking together or when they have some kind of relationship with each other.
John and Jeremy are a pair of friends who work together at a law firm. [+ of]
The pair announced their separation last month.
He and Paula made an unlikely pair.
4. verb [usually passive]
If one thing is paired with another, it is put with it or considered with it.
The trainees will then be paired with experienced managers. [beVERB-ed + with]
Synonyms: team, match (up), join, couple More Synonyms of pair
pairinguncountable noun
...the pairing of these two fine musicians. [+ of]
Synonyms: collaboration, partnership, cooperation, linking up More Synonyms of pair
5. See also au pair
6.
See a safe pair of hands
usage note: The noun pair can take either a singular verb or a plural verb, depending on whether it refersto one thing seen as a unit or a collection of two things or people. A good, supportive and protective pair of trainers is essential... The pair are stillfriends and attend functions together.
Phrasal verbs:
See pair off
See pair up
More Synonyms of pair
pair in British English1
(pɛə)
nounWord forms: pluralpairs or functioning as singular or plural pair
1.
two identical or similar things matched for use together
a pair of socks
2.
two persons, animals, things, etc, used or grouped together
a pair of horses
a pair of scoundrels
3.
an object considered to be two identical or similar things joined together
a pair of trousers
4.
two people joined in love or marriage
5.
a male and a female animal of the same species, esp such animals kept for breeding purposes
6. parliamentary procedure
a.
two opposed members who both agree not to vote on a specified motion or for a specific period of time
b.
the agreement so made
7.
two playing cards of the same rank or denomination
a pair of threes
8.
one member of a matching pair
I can't find the pair to this glove
9. cricket
a pair of spectacles (the cricketing term)
spectacles (sense 2)
10. rowing pair-oar
11. British and US dialect
a group or set of more than two
12. logic, mathematics
a.
a set with two members
b.
an ordered set with two members
verb
13. (often foll by off)
to arrange or fall into groups of twos
14.
to group or be grouped in matching pairs
to pair socks
15.
to join or be joined in marriage; mate or couple
16. (when tr, usually passive) parliamentary procedure
to form or cause to form a pair
18 members were paired for the last vote
▶ USAGE Like other collective nouns, pair takes a singular or a plural verb according to whether it is seen as a unit or asa collection of two things: the pair are said to dislike each other; a pair of good shoes is essential
Derived forms
pairable (ˈpairable)
adjective
Word origin
C13: from Old French paire, from Latin paria equal (things), from pār equal
pair in British English2
(per)
adjective
a Scot word for poor
pair in American English
(pɛr)
nounWord forms: pluralpairs or pair
1.
two similar or corresponding things joined, associated, or used together
a pair of gloves
2.
a single thing made up of two corresponding parts that are used together
a pair of pants
3.
two persons or animals
; specif.,
a.
a married, engaged, or courting couple
b.
two mated animals
c.
any two people considered as having something in common
a pair of thieves
d.
a brace; span
a pair of oxen
e.
two legislators on opposing sides of some question who agree to withhold their vote so as to offset each other; also, such an agreement
4.
two playing cards of the same denomination
5. Chiefly Dialectal
a set or series
a pair of stairs, a pair of beads
verb transitive
6.
to make a pair of (two persons or things) by matching, joining, mating, etc.
7.
to arrange in pairs
8.
to provide with a partner
followed by with
verb intransitive
9.
to form a pair; match
10.
to join in marriage; mate
Idioms:
pair off
SYNONYMY NOTE: pair is used of two similar things that are associated together or are necessary in twosfor proper use [a pair of socks] or of a single thing made up of two corresponding parts [a pair of scissors]; UNRESOLVED CROSS REF applies to any two similar things that are somehow associated [a couple of dollars], or it is used colloquially to mean several or a few [I must buy a couple of things]; a brace1 is a couple, especially of certain birds or animals [a brace of pheasants, hounds, etc.]; UNRESOLVED CROSS REF applies to a pair of animals harnessed together for pulling [a yoke of oxen]; span1 is used especially of a pair of horses harnessed together
Word origin
ME paire < OFr < L paria, neut. pl. of par, equal: see par1
More idioms containing
pair
show someone a clean pair of heels
a safe pair of hands
COBUILD Collocations
pair
inseparable pair
Examples of 'pair' in a sentence
pair
The fashion editor handed me a couple of pairs with a nod of respect.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The pairing of the two men comes as a surprise because their terms in office did not overlap.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
In one classroom 22 students are working in pairs or groups.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The pair's relationship has improved since.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The pair were taking part in the show that sees the most annoying guest couple voted off at the end of the episode.
The Sun (2016)
Should he use them sparingly, pair them with experienced players or be prepared to risk using them in pairs?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The pair formed a close connection and rumours began swirling round in Tinseltown that they were far more than just colleagues.
The Sun (2016)
But the pair's 18-year marriage lasted just another nine months.
The Sun (2016)
When the pair are handed a murder case that looks as straightforward as they come, they soon realise it's anything but.
The Sun (2016)
Now it seems the rapper has inflicted an identical pair on a supermodel.
The Sun (2012)
Most budding entrepreneurs would give their right arms to be mentored by such an experienced pair.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The students often work in groups or pairs.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Think of a relationship as a pair of trees.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
To many fans they form a dream pairing.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The pair practised a couple of courts apart yesterday.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The pair are set to become much richer on the back of their next deal.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
It would be wrong to call the two pairs enemies.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
They have hit more runs together than any pair in history.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The pair find themselves elected to an elite club of pupils.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
And a good pair of binoculars to keep an eye on the neighbours.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
They made unlikely pairing in an interesting if fitfully awkward night.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Each time the pair moved to the new location.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
They are a very fine pair of bowlers.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The pair have agreed to share royalties on the track.
The Sun (2015)
How quickly can you spot the pair of identical pictures?
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Rumours of a soured relationship between the pair have kept the tabloid presses whirring.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The pairs will not form for some time yet.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The pair were part of a group that had set off early after spending the night at a mountain lodge.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
He did the job despite being in agony from wearing a pair of trainers that were two sizes too small.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
His absence is likely to draw further speculation about the pair's marriage.
The Sun (2013)
You're just like another pair of eyes in the dressing room.
The Sun (2014)
Word lists with
pair
terms used in poker
In other languages
pair
British English: pair /pɛə/ NOUN
A pair of things are two things of the same size and shape that are intended to be used together.
...a pair of socks.
American English: pair
Arabic: زَوَجٌ
Brazilian Portuguese: par
Chinese: 一对
Croatian: par
Czech: pár
Danish: par
Dutch: paar
European Spanish: par
Finnish: pari
French: paire
German: Paar
Greek: ζεύγος
Italian: paio
Japanese: ひと組
Korean: 한 쌍
Norwegian: par
Polish: para dwójka
European Portuguese: par
Romanian: pereche
Russian: пара
Latin American Spanish: par
Swedish: par
Thai: คู่
Turkish: çift
Ukrainian: пара
Vietnamese: đôi
British English: pair VERB
If one thing is paired with another, it is put with it or considered with it.
The trainees will then be paired with experienced managers.
American English: pair
Brazilian Portuguese: colocar em par
Chinese: 把…配对
European Spanish: emparejar
French: faire travailler en binôme avec
German: gepaart mit
Italian: accoppiare
Japanese: 組にする
Korean: 짝지어지다
European Portuguese: emparelhar
Latin American Spanish: emparejar
Chinese translation of 'pair'
pair
(pɛəʳ)
n(c)
[of shoes, gloves, socks]双(雙) (shuāng)
(= two people) 对(對) (duì)
a pair of scissors一把剪刀 (yī bǎ jiǎndāo)
a pair of trousers一条(條)裤(褲)子 (yī tiáo kùzi)
in pairs成对(對)地 (chéngduì de)
名词 pair 后既可跟动词单数形式也可跟动词复数形式，具体用法取决于它所指的两个事物或人是被看作一个整体还是两者的集合。 A good pair of trainers is essential ... The pair are still friends and meet regularly.
All related terms of 'pair'
au pair
为学习语言而住在当地人家里并提供家政服务的外国年轻人
pair off
▶ to pair off with sb 与(與)某人成双(雙)成对(對) yǔ mǒurén chéngshuāng chéngduì
( for finding direction ) 指南针(針) zhǐnánzhēn [ 个(個) gè ]
1 (noun)
Definition
two identical or similar things matched for use together
a pair of socks
Synonyms
set
match
They make a surprisingly good match.
combination
doublet
matched set
two of a kind
2 (noun)
Definition
two people, animals, or things used or grouped together
A pair of teenage boys were arrested.
Synonyms
couple
There are a couple of police officers standing guard.
brace
a brace of grouse
duo
the famous singing and dancing duo
twosome
twins
span
yoke
(verb)
Definition
to group (people or things) in twos
Each trainee is paired with an experienced worker.
Synonyms
team
match (up)
join
The opened link is used to join the two ends of the chain.
couple
marry
It will be difficult to marry his two interests – cooking and sport.
wed
a film which weds stunning visuals and a first-class score
twin
The borough is twinned with Kasel in Germany.
put together
bracket
yoke
a plough team of eight oxen yoked in pairs
pair off
phrasal verb
See pair off or up
Usage note
Like other collective nouns, pair takes a singular or a plural verb according to whether it is seen as a unit or as a collection of two things: the pair are said to dislike each other; a pair of good shoes is essential.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of brace
Definition
a pair, esp. of game birds
a brace of grouse
Synonyms
pair,
couple,
twosome
in the sense of duo
Definition
two people who have something in common or do something together
the famous singing and dancing duo
Synonyms
partnership,
couple,
pair,
duet,
twosome
in the sense of join
Definition
to bring into contact
The opened link is used to join the two ends of the chain.
Synonyms
connect,
unite,
couple,
link,
marry,
tie,
combine,
attach,
knit,
cement,
adhere,
fasten,
annex,
add,
splice,
yoke,
append (formal)
Synonyms of 'pair'
pair
Explore 'pair' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of marry
Definition
to fit together or unite
It will be difficult to marry his two interests – cooking and sport.
Synonyms
unite,
match,
join,
link,
tie,
bond,
ally,
merge,
knit,
unify,
splice,
yoke
in the sense of match
Definition
a partnership between a man and a woman, as in marriage
They make a surprisingly good match.
Synonyms
marriage,
union,
couple,
pair,
pairing,
item (informal),
alliance,
combination,
partnership,
duet,
affiliation
in the sense of twin
Definition
to pair or be paired together
The borough is twinned with Kasel in Germany.
Synonyms
pair,
match,
join,
couple,
link,
yoke
in the sense of wed
Definition
to unite closely
a film which weds stunning visuals and a first-class score