bilingualism

noun

bi·​lin·​gual·​ism (ˌ)bī-ˈliŋ-gwə-ˌli-zəm 

1

: the ability to speak two languages

2

: the frequent use (as by a community) of two languages

3

: the political or institutional recognition of two languages

Examples of bilingualism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ditto a decrease in literacy, bilingualism and knowledge in general as immigrants withdraw from no-longer-safe schools, colleges and ESL programs. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2025

Speak Your Customers' Language In much of Florida, bilingualism (especially communicating in Spanish) is a business imperative. —Frank Rojas, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

Students cited their Hispanic heritage, emphasizing hard work, bilingualism and family support as key sources of strength. —Dayna L. Martinez, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 June 2025

Meanwhile, crosscutting ties of intermarriage, bilingualism, and political alliance regularly transcend ethnicity. —Thomas Barfield, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2011

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bilingualism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism