English

Noun

double room (plural: double rooms)

A room, typically in a hotel or accommodation, designed for two people. It usually features either one double bed or two single beds (sometimes referred to as a twin room).

Meaning

The term “double room” refers to lodging space intended for a couple or two occupants, emphasizing comfort and shared sleeping arrangements. It’s commonly used in the hospitality industry to distinguish from rooms for solo travelers.

Pronunciation

IPA: /ˈdʌb.əl ruːm/
Stress: Primary stress on the first syllable of “double” (DUB-uhl room). The word “room” is pronounced with a long “oo” sound, like in “moon.”

Morphology

This is a compound noun formed by combining “double” (an adjective meaning twofold or for two) and “room” (a noun). No inflections beyond the plural form “double rooms.” It’s hyphenated in some styles for clarity, but often written as two words.

Grammar Notes

Countable noun. Use articles like “a double room” or “the double room.” Pluralize with “-s” for multiple: “two double rooms.” It functions as a subject or object in sentences, e.g., “We reserved a double room.”

Short Interesting Facts

In the early 20th century, “double room” became standard in hotels as travel boomed, reflecting societal shifts toward couples vacationing together. Interestingly, some hotels still use “double” specifically for one large bed, while “twin” implies two separate beds to avoid confusion.

Tips on How to Learn It Easier

Associate it with travel planning: Visualize booking a hotel online and selecting “double room” for a romantic getaway. Practice by role-playing hotel check-ins. Use mnemonic: “Double the fun in one room!” Repeat the pronunciation while imagining a cozy bed for two.

Cultural or Contextual Features

In English-speaking countries like the UK and US, “double room” is a staple in tourism vocabulary, often featured in booking sites like Booking.com. Culturally, it evokes ideas of shared vacations or business trips with a colleague. In budget travel, opting for a double room can save money when sharing costs.

Examples

  • Simple: I need a double room for tonight.
  • Medium: The cozy double room overlooked the ocean, perfect for our anniversary.
  • Complex: Although we arrived late at the airport, the receptionist quickly assigned us a spacious double room with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable stay after our long flight.

Synonyms, Antonyms, and Common Word Combinations

Synonyms: twin room (two single beds), double-bed room, couple’s room.
Antonyms: single room, solo room.
Common Combinations: book a double room, spacious double room, deluxe double room, double room with balcony.

Mini-Tasks for the Student

  • Make a sentence: Create your own simple sentence using “double room” in a travel context.
  • Find a synonym: List two synonyms for “double room” and explain when you’d use one over the other.
  • Practice pronunciation: Say “double room” five times, focusing on the stress, and record yourself to check.
  • Vocabulary extension: Describe a hotel room type opposite to a double room and why someone might choose it.

See also: single room, twin room