Definition

1. Noun:

   • A pair of people or things: Two items or individuals that are linked, associated, or considered together.
   • A small indefinite number: A small number, typically more than two but not many; often used informally to mean "a few."
   • A married or romantically involved pair: Two people who are married, engaged, or in a long-term romantic relationship.
   • (Physics) A pair of equal and opposite parallel forces: A system of two forces that tend to cause rotation.

2. Verb:

   • To link or connect two things: To join or fasten two items together.
   • To associate or connect in thought: To link two ideas, names, or concepts.
   • To engage in sexual intercourse: (Used for animals or, informally, for people).

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • They are a lovely couple. (They are a lovely pair of people in a relationship.)
  • I need a couple of chairs for the guests. (I need two or a few chairs.)
  • A rotating couple was applied to the beam. (A pair of forces causing rotation was applied.)

• Verb:

  • The train cars were coupled together. (The train cars were linked together.)
  • His name is often coupled with the invention. (His name is often linked with the invention.)
  • The animals coupled in the spring. (The animals mated in the spring.)

Advanced Usage

• "A couple of": Used to indicate a small, indefinite number (roughly two, but sometimes a few more).
  • I'll be there in a couple of minutes. (I'll be there in a few minutes.)
• "To couple with": To combine or link one thing with another.
  • Hard work, coupled with talent, leads to success. (Hard work, combined with talent, leads to success.)

Variants and Related Words

• Coupling (n): A device that connects two things, especially mechanical parts.
  • Check the coupling between the engine and the gearbox.
• Coupler (n): Something that couples or links, especially in electronics or mechanics.
• Uncoupled (adj./v.): Not connected; to disconnect.
  • The engineer uncoupled the locomotive.

Synonyms

• Noun: Pair, duo, twosome, brace.
• Verb: Connect, link, join, combine, pair, unite.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Couple up: To form pairs or to connect.
  • The students were asked to couple up for the exercise. (The students were asked to form pairs.)
• Couple together: To join or link things.
  • These ideas are often coupled together. (These ideas are often linked.)

Related Idioms

• In couples: In pairs; two together.
  • They walked into the room in couples. (They entered the room in pairs.)
• A couple of ticks: (Informal, chiefly British) A very short time; a couple of seconds.
  • Wait a couple of ticks, I'll be right with you.

Noun

1. (physics) something joined by two equal and opposite forces that act along parallel lines
2. two items of the same kind
3. a small indefinite number
   • he's coming for a couple of days
4. a pair of people who live together
   • a married couple from Chicago
5. a pair who associate with one another
   • the engaged couple
   • an inseparable twosome

Verb

1. engage in sexual intercourse
   • Birds mate in the Spring
2. form a pair or pairs
   • The two old friends paired off
3. link together
   • can we couple these proposals?
4. bring two objects, ideas, or people together
   • This fact is coupled to the other one
   • Matchmaker, can you match my daughter with a nice young man?
   • The student was paired with a partner for collaboration on the project