- 1two things of the same type, especially when they are used or worn together a pair of gloves/shoes/earrings, etc. a huge pair of eyes The vase is one of a matching pair. a pair of aces/kings (= two playing cards that have the same value)
two parts joined - 2an object consisting of two parts that are joined together a pair of pants/jeans, etc. a pair of glasses/binoculars/scissors, etc. A plural verb is sometimes used with pair in the singular in senses 1 and 2. In informal English some people use pair as a plural form:three pair of shoes. This is not considered correct in written English.
- 3two people who are doing something together or who have a particular relationship Get pairs of students to act out the dialogue in front of the class. (informal) I've had enough of the pair of you! A plural verb is usually used:A pair of children were kicking a ball around.The pair are planning a trip to India together. two animals/birds
- 4two animals or birds of the same type that are breeding together a breeding pair a pair of swans pair bonding (= the process of animals forming a pair for breeding) see au pair Idioms
two things the same
in groups of two objects or people Students worked in pairs on the project.
used to say that you are too busy to do anything else
a person who can do, or is doing, a job We need an extra pair of hands if we're going to finish on time. Colleagues regard him as a safe pair of hands (= someone who can be relied on to do a job well).
Check pronunciation: pair