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

An exceptionally broad transmission lineup consists of the manual, six- and seven-speed dual-clutch automatics, an eight-speed automatic and a continuously variable automatic. —Mark Phelan, USA Today, 15 Dec. 2025

Though an effective ritual, for anyone seeking a more efficient routine that produces the same result, the Face Shop has created this dual-chamber cleanser that simultaneously dispenses a milky cleansing oil and jelly cleanser to remove dirt, makeup and product residue. —Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025

Noun

Avila’s theory couldn’t say anything about the higher-level structure of the dual. —Lyndie Chiou, Wired News, 1 Nov. 2025

To cater to a diverse downtown crowd, Social Brews also duals as a café with an espresso bar, pastries and breakfast sandwiches; a restaurant serving appetizers, burgers and desserts; and a bar pouring craft cocktails. —Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025

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

• cruel
• duel
• fuel
• gruel
• jewel
• newel
• accrual
• nonfuel
• refuel
• renewal
• biofuel
• contextual

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