two

Pronunciation: /tuː/

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Definition of two

number

equivalent to the sum of one and one; one less than three; 2:two years ago a romantic weekend for two in Paris two of Amy’s friends (Roman numeral: ii or II)
a group or unit of two people or things:they would straggle home in ones and twos
two years old:he is only two
two o’clock:the pub closed at two
a size of garment or other merchandise denoted by two.
a playing card or domino with two pips.

Phrases

a —— or two (or two or three ——): a small but unspecified number:a minute or two had passed
be two a penny: see penny.
in two: in or into two halves or pieces:he tore the piece of paper in two
in two shakes (of a lamb's tail): see shake.
it takes two to tango: see tango¹.
put two and two together: draw an obvious conclusion from what is known or evident.; (put two and two together and make five) draw a plausible but incorrect conclusion from what is known or evident.
that makes two of us: informal one is in the same position or holds the same opinion as the previous speaker:‘I haven’t a clue!’ ‘That makes two of us.’
two by two (or two and two): side by side in pairs: they came aboard two by two
two can play at that game: informal used to assert that one is equally capable of copying another’s strategy, to their disadvantage.
two cents (or two cents' worth): North American informal an unsolicited opinion:Mom got her two cents in
two's company, three's a crowd: two people, especially lovers, should be left alone together.
two heads are better than one: proverb it’s helpful to have the advice or opinion of a second person.

Origin:

Old English twā (feminine and neuter) of Germanic origin; related to Dutch twee and German zwei, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin and Greek duo. Compare with twain

Do not confuse to with too or two. To usually means 'in the direction of' (the next train to London); too means 'excessively' (you’re driving too fast); two is the number between one and three.

two in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of two in the US English dictionary

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Other

two

number

Phrases

a —— or two (or two or three ——)

be two a penny

in two

in two shakes (of a lamb's tail)

it takes two to tango

put two and two together

that makes two of us

two by two (or two and two)

two can play at that game

two cents (or two cents' worth)

two's company, three's a crowd

two heads are better than one

Origin:

two in other Oxford dictionaries

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