bilingual

adjective

bi·​lin·​gual (ˌ)bī-ˈliŋ-gwəl 

 also  -gyə-wəl

1

: having or expressed in two languages

a bilingual document

an officially bilingual nation

2

: using or able to use two languages especially with equal fluency

bilingual in English and Japanese

3

: of or relating to bilingual education

bilingual noun

bilingually adverb

Examples of bilingual in a Sentence

Several of the employees are bilingual.

He is bilingual in English and Japanese.

She grew up in a bilingual community.

The town has an excellent bilingual education program.

Recent Examples on the Web

Barron, Trump’s youngest child and his only one with Melania, was raised to be bilingual and frequently called his grandmother to converse in Slovenian. —Lynsey Eidell, Peoplemag, 4 Apr. 2024

In addition to weekly services for the church’s hundred or so regular attendees, Phelps now holds a bilingual service twice a month for about sixty migrants who, for the moment, call Woodlawn home. —Geraldo Cadava, The New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2024

Arthur is British, a bilingual bum attracted to the Italian scene, first seen returning to Tuscany by train after having served a prison sentence for grave-robbing. —Armond White, National Review, 3 Apr. 2024

Swanson shared a few examples of how bilingual employees are imperative to J&J’s success and the company’s mission. —John Kell, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2024

In Nevada, Somos plans to knock on over 1 million doors and spend nearly $5 million in bilingual paid communication to boost the campaigns of Biden and Sen. Jacky Rosen, whose re-election is also critical to the Democrats' retaining control of the Senate. —Suzanne Gamboa, NBC News, 3 Apr. 2024

However, some households might want CPR certification, medical training or special skills such as being bilingual. —Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Because of his years in Spain, Lawson is fully bilingual, which has helped his adaptation. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2024

Your favorite bilingual explorer is set to debut all-new adventures on Paramount+ starting April 12. —Staff Author, Parents, 26 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin bilinguis, from bi- + lingua tongue — more at tongue

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing bilingual

• bilingual education

Kids Definition

bilingual

adjective

bi·​lin·​gual (ˌ)bī-ˈliŋ-g(yə-)wəl 

1

: of, expressed in, or using two languages

a bilingual dictionary

2

: able to use two languages especially with fluency