bidirectional

adjective

bi·​di·​rec·​tion·​al ˌbī-də-ˈrek-sh(ə-)nəl 

-dī-

: involving, moving, or taking place in two usually opposite directions

bidirectional flow

bidirectional replication of DNA

bidirectionally adverb

Examples of bidirectional in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The movement boasts a three-day power reserve achievable through a bidirectional oscillating weight stored in a single barrel. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

One item authorized increasing a contract by $750,000 to a new total of $1.25 million to relocate overhead utilities along Francisco Boulevard in San Rafael to make way for a bidirectional bike and pedestrian connection to the bridge. —Adrian Rodriguez, Mercury News, 14 July 2025

The JLab Talk Pro is a versatile USB condenser microphone that features four polar patterns to choose from (i.e., cardioid, omnidirectional, stereo, and bidirectional recording modes) and a high 192kHz sample rate. —Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 28 July 2025

Its vehicles are designed specifically for autonomous ride-hailing and feature a bidirectional and symmetrical design. —Richard Brack, Austin American Statesman, 22 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bidirectional

• intersectional
• affectional
• correctional
• directional
• inflectional
• multidirectional
• omnidirectional
• unidirectional
• sectional

Kids Definition

bidirectional

adjective

bi·​di·​rec·​tion·​al ˌbī-də-ˈrek-sh(ə-)nəl 

-dī-

: involving, moving, or taking place in usually two opposite directions

Medical Definition

bidirectional

adjective

bi·​di·​rec·​tion·​al ˌbī-də-ˈrek-shnəl, -dī-, -shən-ᵊl 

: involving, moving, or taking place in two usually opposite directions

bidirectional flow of materials in axons

bidirectional replication of DNA

bidirectionally

-ē 

adverb