bipolar

adjective

bi·​po·​lar (ˌ)bī-ˈpō-lər 

1

: having or marked by two mutually repellent forces or diametrically opposed natures or views

2

a

: having or involving the use of two poles or polarities

bipolar generators

bipolar ECG leads

b

electronics : relating to, being, or using a transistor in which both electrons and holes (see hole entry 1 sense 1b(3)) are utilized as charge carriers (see carrier sense 2e)

3

: relating to, associated with, or occurring in both polar (see polar entry 1 sense 1a) regions

bipolar species of birds

4

psychology : being, characteristic of, or affected with a bipolar disorder

bipolar patients

bipolarity

ˌbī-pō-ˈler-ə-tē 

-ˈla-rə-

noun

bipolarization

(ˌ)bī-ˌpō-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

bipolarize

(ˌ)bī-ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz 

transitive verb

Examples of bipolar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This phenomenon fits a general trend toward multipolarity, where the geopolitical landscape is no longer defined solely by the bipolar rivalry that characterized the Cold War. —Collin J. Meisel, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025

And there’s no more urgent task than to remain, in a time where everything is pushing towards a bipolar, understanding of our humanity. —Braedon Montgomery, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025

Jay, a gay man in his thirties, is sectioned after a bipolar episode and refuses to accept his diagnosis. —Callum McLennan, Variety, 19 Aug. 2025

The documentary spans six years of Ye’s life, including his descent into Nazism, his divorce, and his bipolar diagnosis. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing bipolar

• bipolar disorder
• bipolar illness

Rhymes for bipolar

• comptroller
• controller
• dipolar
• gaoler
• nonpolar
• premolar
• ambipolar
• areolar
• bronchiolar
• circumpolar
• equimolar
• monopolar

Kids Definition

bipolar

adjective

bi·​po·​lar

(ˌ)bī-ˈpō-lər

1

: having or involving two poles

2

: having or marked by two mutually repellent forces or wholly opposed natures or views

3

: being, characteristic of, or affected with a bipolar disorder

bipolarity

ˌbī-​pō-​ˈler-​ə-​tē

noun

Medical Definition

bipolar

1 of 2 adjective

bi·​po·​lar

(ˈ)bī-ˈpō-lər

1

: involving or being electrodes or leads attached to two different bodily sites (such as the arms and legs) for recording the difference in electrical potential between the two sites

bipolar encephalograph leads

2

of a neuron : having an efferent and an afferent process

3

: being, characteristic of, or affected with a bipolar disorder

bipolar depression

bipolar patients

compare unipolar

bipolar

2 of 2 noun

: a person affected with bipolar disorder