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

Multiple districts are offering bilingual town halls. —Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026

Under a group of old oak trees, instructor Juanita Rivas-Raymer has led free and bilingual yoga classes since 2023. —Nicole MacIas Garibay, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026

In Minnesota, a bilingual Esperanza United Crisis Line is available at [phone]. —Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 18 Mar. 2026

Special education and bilingual programs at closing schools would be moved to other campuses, not shuttered. —Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 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