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

Smith said the administration is still determining what schools the students would be reassigned to based on the availability of bilingual and special education programs and the proximity to current Blanton students. —Rachel Royster january 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026

Each hearing includes bilingual display boards, a presentation and an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and provide comments. —Christa Swanson, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026

Donnelly is a proficient Spanish speaker and was once designated as a bilingual assistant prosecutor for the Harris County District Attorney's Office. —Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 7 Jan. 2026

Exhibits and programming reflect Miami’s multicultural makeup, with bilingual (English and Spanish) elements throughout. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2026

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