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

—T. H. White †1986

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

Is Johnson an empty-calories scorer who doesn’t impact winning or is their two-way potential? —Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2024

There are a few deliberately visible mirrors in the set design, which are made of two-way glass so that cameras can look into the room. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 31 May 2024

This very popular capri from Eddie Bauer is made for the outdoors with two-way stretch, a water-repellent finish, and UPF 50+ sun protection. —Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2024

Remember that rule enforcement is a two-way street. —Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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