double eagle
LowSpecialist / Technical
Definition
Meaning
A gold coin of the United States with a face value of twenty dollars.
1. In golf, a score of three strokes under par on a single hole. 2. A rare gold coin minted by the US from 1849 to 1933, valued at $20. 3. (Heraldry) A representation of an eagle with two heads.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The meaning is highly domain-specific. In general conversation, it is most likely to refer to the golf term, which is itself a rare achievement. The numismatic and heraldic senses are even more specialised.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The golf term is used internationally but is of American origin. The coin is specifically a US historical artifact. Heraldry is a pan-European tradition, but a 'double eagle' as a two-headed eagle is a common heraldic charge.
Connotations
In golf, it connotes extreme skill and rarity. In numismatics, it connotes historical value and wealth. In heraldry, it connotes empire, authority, and the union of powers.
Frequency
The golf term is used with equal but low frequency in both UK and US golfing circles. The coin is primarily referenced in US historical/numismatic contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] scored/made/hit a double eagle on [hole number]The [noun] features a double eagle.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Go for the double eagle (to attempt a highly ambitious, risky move)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in the context of auctioning valuable coins.
Academic
Used in history (numismatics, economic history) and sports science (golf statistics).
Everyday
Almost exclusively in discussions about golf or, very rarely, history/collecting.
Technical
Precise terms in golf (score), numismatics (coin specification), and heraldry (charge description).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He managed to double-eagle the par-five 15th with an incredible approach shot.
American English
- She double-eagled the final hole to win the tournament.
adjective
British English
- The double-eagle scorecard was framed in the clubhouse.
American English
- It was a double-eagle moment for the young golfer.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He has a picture of a big bird with two heads, called a double eagle.
- The golfer was very happy after he got a double eagle on the 10th hole.
- Scoring a double eagle is an exceptionally rare feat in professional golf.
- The 1933 Double Eagle coin remains one of the most coveted and controversial items in numismatic history.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an eagle (birdie) and then double its greatness. In golf, an eagle is two under par; a double eagle is twice as good, being three under par.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXCELLENCE IS HEIGHT / RARITY IS VALUE. The 'eagle' as a high-flying bird metaphorically represents a superior score. 'Double' intensifies this, and in numismatics, the gold embodies high value.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not literally translate as 'двойной орёл' for golf; the correct Russian golf term is 'альбатрос'. For the coin, 'двойной орёл' or 'двадцатидолларовая золотая монета' is acceptable. The heraldic term is 'двуглавый орёл'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'double eagle' to mean simply 'two eagles' (birds). Confusing it with a 'double bogey' (which is two over par, the opposite in golf).
Practice
Quiz
In which field would the term 'Double Eagle' specifically refer to a $20 gold piece?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are synonymous terms for a score of three strokes under par on a hole.
The terminology is somewhat illogical. 'Eagle' (2 under) is one better than 'birdie' (1 under). 'Double eagle' was coined to mean one better than an eagle, though mathematically it's 'eagle plus one', not 'eagle times two'.
No. While its face value was $20, its gold content and historical value make it worth many thousands of dollars today. It is a collectible, not circulating currency.
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. Although 445,500 were minted, almost all were ordered melted down. A few escaped, and one sold at auction in 2021 for over $18 million.