bilingualism

noun

bi·​lin·​gual·​ism (ˌ)bī-ˈliŋ-gwə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce bilingualism (audio)
1
: the ability to speak two languages
2
: the frequent use (as by a community) of two languages
3
: the political or institutional recognition of two languages

Examples of bilingualism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Canada's federal-level commitment to bilingualism and multiculturalism reduced the cost of remaining inside the federation. Charles King, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2012 If Rice’s hit tool is his most impressive, the Dartmouth product’s bilingualism might rank second. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 3 June 2024 Her lawyers argued that Troconis’ differing accounts of the day Farber Dulos disappeared and Dulos’ whereabouts that morning could be attributed to the effects of trauma, stress and bilingualism on memory. Taylor Hartz, Hartford Courant, 30 May 2024 But bilingualism is reworking the Tsimane' tricolor rainbow, researchers recently reported in Psychological Science—offering a rare, real-time glimpse into how learning a second language can change how people think about abstract concepts and fuel language evolution. Elise Cutts, Scientific American, 9 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bilingualism 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bilingualism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bilingualism was in 1873

Dictionary Entries Near bilingualism

Cite this Entry

“Bilingualism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bilingualism. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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