dual

1 of 2

adjective

du·​al ˈdü(-ə)l 

also ˈdyü-əl

1

of grammatical number : denoting reference to two

a dual pronoun

2

a

: consisting of two parts or elements or having two like parts : double

families with dual incomes

held dual citizenship in France and the U.S.

a dual function

a dual exhaust system

b

: having a double character or nature

dual

2 of 2

noun

1

linguistics : the dual (see dual entry 1 sense 1) number of a language

2

linguistics : a linguistic form in the dual

Synonyms of dual

Adjective

• twin
• binary
• double

Examples of dual in a Sentence

Adjective

the dual purpose of the study

She pursued dual careers in music and acting.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

By 2030, the WNBA will welcome three new teams, all of which will operate under dual NBA/WNBA ownership. — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 24 July 2026

This dual role distinguishes Intel from its rival data center CPU designers, especially Advanced Micro Devices and Nvidia, and the tech giants with custom silicon, such as Amazon and Alphabet 's Google. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 23 July 2026

Noun

The traditional wrestling title was the school’s 26th since 1983, and the duals title was its 22nd since 2002. — Chip Saye, AJC.com, 9 June 2026

The race, held on an artificial island built for Expo 67, is often one of the season’s highlights, and 2026 did not disappoint, with some excellent duals among the field. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 29 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

Latin dualis, from duo two — more at two

First Known Use

Adjective

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dual

• dual carriageway
• dual citizenship
• dual energy X-ray absorptiometry
• dual meet
• dual-purpose

Rhymes for dual

• accrual
• nonfuel
• refuel
• renewal
• biofuel
• contextual
• nonrenewal
• nonsexual
• unusual
• cruel
• duel
• fuel

Kids Definition

dual

adjective

du·​al

ˈd(y)ü-əl

1

: consisting of two parts or elements : having two parts alike

dual headphone jacks

2

: having a double character or nature

a dual function

dual citizenship

duality

d(y)ü-ˈal-ət-ē

noun

dually

ˈd(y)ü-ə-lē

adverb

Etymology

Adjective

from Latin dualis "dual," from duo "two" — related to deuce, double, dozen