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

Studies show that bilingual people also have better memory, visual-spatial skills, and even creativity. —Pia Lauritzen, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025

Approximately 15% is English-speaking, and 46% is bilingual. —Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2025

In the 2023-24 school year, Texas Education Agency data shows 66% of about 680 Clifford Davis students were identified as emergent bilingual, or learning English as a second language. —Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025

The library system also partners with local parks to post bilingual stories along scenic paths that bring Story Trails to life, Ward said. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for bilingual

• sublingual
• trilingual
• lingual
• monolingual

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