double time

¹ American  

noun

1. U.S. Army. the fastest rate of marching troops, a slow jog in which 180 paces, each of 3 feet (0.9 meters), are taken in a minute.

2. a slow run by troops in step.

3. a rate of overtime pay that is twice the regular wage rate.

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double-time ² American  

[duhb-uhl-tahym] / ˈdʌb əlˌtaɪm /

verb (used with object)

double-timed, double-timing

1. to cause to move in double time.

   Double-time the troops to the mess hall.

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verb (used without object)

double-timed, double-timing

1. to move in double time.

double time British  

noun

1. a doubled wage rate, paid for working on public holidays, etc

2. music

   1. a time twice as fast as an earlier section

   2. two beats per bar

3. a slow running pace, keeping in step

4. army a fast march of 180 paces to the minute

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verb

1. to move or cause to move in double time

Etymology

Origin of double time¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Origin of double-time²

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Cooks in tie-dyed aprons and sky-blue baseball caps move in double time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

“If I need to make something from scratch, I need to work double time before I finish the product,” she explains.

From BBC • Oct. 31, 2024

"So all of you people feel underused now, get a good night's sleep, because next year you're going to be working double time," he said.

From Reuters • Nov. 15, 2023

Mérida said that since Feb. 13, when he took office, he has been working double time to set up and staff the centers, which will be supervised by regional election boards.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2023

Overtime was plentiful, and men jumped at the chance to work holidays, which paid double time.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove