double entendre

[duhb-uhl ahn-tahn-druh, -tahnd, doo-blahn-tahn-dr^uh]

noun

plural

double entendres 

1. a double meaning.

2. a word or expression used in a given context so that it can be understood in two ways, especially when one meaning is risqué.

double entendre

/ dubl ɑ̃tɑ̃drə, ˈdʌbəl ɑːnˈtɑːndrə, -ˈtɑːnd /

noun

1. a word, phrase, etc, that can be interpreted in two ways, esp one having one meaning that is indelicate

2. the type of humour that depends upon such ambiguity

double-entendre

1. A word or expression that has two different meanings (in French, double-entendre means “double meaning”), one of which is often bawdy or indelicate. A double-entendre is found in this sentence: “A nudist camp is simply a place where men and women meet to air their differences.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of double entendre¹

From obsolete French, dating back to 1665–75; double, intend

Word History and Origins

Origin of double entendre¹

C17: from obsolete French: double meaning

Example Sentences

Yes, the “A-minor” double entendre was catchy, and it is always good to have Mustard on the beat.

From Los Angeles Times

The series’ title is a meta double entendre referencing the strife we put ourselves through just trying to keep up appearances, as well as Skinner’s creative style.

From Salon

She has fun with shock value at first, ditching the double entendre to straight up say “come right on me,” but jokingly corrects herself as if becoming shy, replacing it with the similar word “camaraderie.”

From Salon

The lack of subversion extends to the score, a bland assemblage of British music hall pastiche that stretches its comedic wings most confidently toward double entendre.

From Seattle Times

The double entendre sets a cheeky tone that Molly McGlynn, the film’s writer and director, strives to carry through every scene.

From New York Times

Related Words

• innuendo 
• pun 

When To Use

What else does double entendre mean?

A double entendre is a word or expression that can be understood in two ways, especially when one meaning is risqué. If you've ever cracked a that's what she said joke, you've created a double entendre.