pair

Universal Words noun, verb noun two things the same 1 [C] two things of the same type, especially when they are used or worn together: a pair of gloves / shoes / earrings * 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 2 [C] an object consisting of two parts that are joined together: a pair of trousers / pants / jeans * a pair of glasses / binoculars / scissors HELPNOTE A plural verb is sometimes used with pair in the singular in senses 1 and 2. In informal AmE some people use pair as a plural form: three pair of shoes. This is not considered correct in written English. two people 3 [C+sing./pl.v.] two people who are doing sth 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! HELPNOTE In BrE a plural verb is usually used: A pair of children were kicking a ball about. * The pair are planning a trip to India together. two animals / birds 4 [C+sing./pl.v.] two 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) two horses 5 [C] two horses working together to pull a carriage: a carriage and pair seealsoAUPAIR IDIOMS a pair of hands (informal) 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 (= sb who can be relied on to do a job well). in pairs in groups of two objects or people: Students worked in pairs on the project. I've only got one pair of hands (spoken) used to say that you are too busy to do anything else verb make groups of two 1 [VN] [usuallypassive] ~ A with B