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
سۆز تۈركۈمى: verb
make groups of two
1 [VN] [usuallypassive] ~ A with B
