1
a
: two persons married, engaged, or otherwise romantically paired
b
: two persons paired together
The people were lined up in couples.
3
: something that joins or links two things together: such as
a
: two equal and opposite forces that act along parallel lines
b
: a pair of substances that in contact with an electrolyte (see electrolyte sense 1) participate in a transfer of electrons which causes an electric current to flow
4
: an indefinite small number : few
a couple of days ago
coupled; coupling
ˈkə-p(ə-)liŋ
1
a
: to connect for consideration together
b
: to join for combined effect
2
a
: to fasten together : link
b
: to bring (two electric circuits) into such close proximity as to permit mutual influence
3
: to join in marriage or sexual union
Is couple an adjective?: Usage Guide
The adjective use of a couple, without of, has been called nonstandard, but it is not. In both British and American English it is standard before a word (such as more or less) indicating degree.
a couple more examples of Middle English writing
—Charles Barber
Its use before an ordinary plural noun is an Americanism, common in speech and in writing that is not meant to be formal or elevated.
the first couple chapters are pretty good
—E. B. White (letter)
still operated a couple wagons for hire
—Garrison Keillor
It is most frequently used with periods of time
a couple weeks
and numbers.
a couple hundred
a couple dozen
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share