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pair

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Pair means two similar things, often used together, or two persons or animals.

(noun)

An example of a pair is two sneakers, one for the left foot and one for the right foot.
An example of a pair is two people who are going to get married.

Pair is defined as to match up or provide with a partner.

(verb)

An example of pair is to divide students into groups of two.

See pair in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. pairs or pair

two similar or corresponding things joined, associated, or used together: a pair of gloves
a single thing made up of two corresponding parts that are used together: a pair of pants
two persons or animals; specif.,
1. a married, engaged, or courting couple
2. two mated animals
3. any two people considered as having something in common: a pair of thieves
4. a brace; span: a pair of oxen
5. two legislators on opposing sides of some question who agree to withhold their vote so as to offset each other; also, such an agreement
two playing cards of the same denomination
Chiefly Dial. a set or series: a pair of stairs, a pair of beads

Origin: ME paire < OFr < L paria, neut. pl. of par, equal: see par

transitive verb

to make a pair of (two persons or things) by matching, joining, mating, etc.
to arrange in pairs
to provide with a partner: followed by with

intransitive verb

to form a pair; match
to join in marriage; mate

See pair in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. pair pair or pairs

Two corresponding persons or items, similar in form or function and matched or associated: a pair of shoes.
One object composed of two joined, similar parts that are dependent upon each other: a pair of pliers.
a. Two persons who are married, engaged, or dating.
b. Two persons who have something in common and are considered together: a pair of hunters.
c. Two mated animals.
d. Two animals joined together in work.
Games Two playing cards of the same denomination.
Two members of a deliberative body with opposing opinions on a given issue who agree to abstain from voting on the issue, thereby offsetting each other.
Chemistry An electron pair.

verb paired, pair·ing, pairs pairs

verb, transitive

To arrange in sets of two; couple.
To join in a pair; mate.
To provide a partner for.

verb, intransitive

To form pairs or a pair.
To join in marriage; mate.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French paire

Origin: , from Latin paria, equals

Origin: , pl. of pār, a pair

Origin: , from pār, equal; see perə-² in Indo-European roots

Usage Note: The noun pair can be followed by a singular or plural verb. The singular is always used when pair denotes the set taken as a single entity: This pair of shoes is on sale. A plural verb is used when the members are considered as individuals: The pair are working more harmoniously now. After a number other than one, pair itself can be either singular or plural, but the plural is now more common: She bought six pairs (or pair) of stockings.

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