two-way

adjective

ˈtü-ˈwā 

1

: moving or allowing movement in either direction

a two-way bridge

2

a

: involving or allowing an exchange between two individuals or groups

There must be good two-way communication …

—Jerrold Orne

especially : designed for both sending and receiving messages

two-way radio

b

: involving mutual responsibility or reciprocal relationships

… political alliance is a two-way thing …

—Theodore H. White

3

a

: involving two participants

a two-way race

b

sports : playing on both the offensive and defensive squads of a team (as in American football)

Frost, a throwback to the era of two-way players, is the Cardinal's starting free safety and backup quarterback.

—The New York Times

also : playing both offense and defense well

a basketball forward who's a talented two-way player

4

: usable in either of two manners

a two-way lamp

5

: being a cock or valve that will connect a pipe or channel with either of two others

Examples of two-way in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Right now, some ideas include making the HOV lanes into two-way traffic. —Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 19 June 2026

Janecke is a complete two-way package, a strong skater and should be able to step into the 1C role in Vegas. —Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 17 June 2026

Guests can choose from traditional rooms or spacious one- or two-bedroom suites, some of which have balconies and two-way gas fireplaces. —Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 16 June 2026

Janecke could be an excellent fit as a two-way center who fits into Ryan’s defense-first philosophy, while Simms could inject some pure scoring punch. —Marisa Ingemi, Mercury News, 15 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for two-way

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• assez
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway

Kids Definition

two-way

adjective

1

: moving or acting or allowing movement or action in either direction

two-way traffic

a two-way street

2

a

: involving two persons or groups

communication is a two-way process

b

: made to send and receive messages

a two-way radio