dual

adjective du·al \ ˈdü(-ə)l also ˈdyü-əl \

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Examples: dual in a Sentence

Definition of dual

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

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dually

play \-ə(l)-lē\ adverb

See dual defined for English-language learners

See dual defined for kids

Examples of dual in a Sentence

the dual purpose of the study
She pursued dual careers in music and acting.

Recent Examples of dual from the Web

An unidentified man, who holds a dual Saudi-U.S. citizenship, has been held in Iraq by the U.S. military for about nine months.

— lukas mikelionis, Fox News, "US plan to release alleged American ISIS fighter in Syria draws ACLU legal challenge," 8 June 2018
Wright earned a nod last year for his dual performance and could well make the leap here.

— glenn whipp, latimes.com, "'Game of Thrones,' 'This Is Us' or 'Handmaid's Tale'? Emmy acting races could tip the scale for TV's best drama," 8 June 2018
Hosted by Wom!nz Spot, a dual stage performance area on the southern end of the Summerfest grounds, the showcase is intended to highlight local female artists who do not fit the traditional mold in hip-hop.

— elena weissmann, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Local female hip-hop artists strive to defy stereotypes at this year's PrideFest," 7 June 2018
Along those lines, the Key2 becomes the first BlackBerry with dual rear cameras, each 12MP.

— edward c. baig, USA TODAY, "Still here? BlackBerry Key2 aims to keep faded iconic brand breathing," 7 June 2018
Iloputaife, who has dual U.S. and French citizenship, is seeking an apology from the deputies and says the experience has made him consider moving back to France.

— Essence.com, "Black Man Walking His Dogs Becomes Suspect In Manhunt After Nosy Neighbor Sends His Photo To Police," 6 June 2018
Expanding Fifth Avenue at Washington Street to include dual left-turn lanes and a northbound right-turn lane also comes at the transportation group’s recommendation, though realigning the current three-way intersection to a four-way does not.

— erin hegarty, Naperville Sun, "Fifth Avenue development concepts still facing skepticism from community members," 6 June 2018
Performance is often equated to sound, but of course the Mission E produces precious little noise. Stab the throttle and the dual-motor system sings a lower note than a Tesla.

— tom voelk, New York Times, "Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo Review: ‘Silence Is the New Power’," 6 June 2018
First-floor features include a master suite with dual closets, a private den, a large open kitchen, a formal dining room and a gas fireplace.

— mary murphy, courant.com, "Property of the Week: Essex Glen," 6 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dual.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of dual

Latin dualis, from duo two — more at two

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1597

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

dual Synonyms

dual

noun

Definition of dual

linguistics

1 : the dual (see ¹dual 1) number of a language

2 : a linguistic form in the dual

Recent Examples of dual from the Web

Walker, who was named the coach of the year last week by the NWCA, was honored after the Braves won two team state titles this season — the first duals title and the IBT title to end the season.

— brant parsons, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Joey Silva is Mr. Wrestling and Lake Gibson's Walker wins another award," 8 May 2018
The Owls went undefeated in their conference duals, and Saturday ran away with the title at the conference meet at Cedarburg despite the absence of three starters because of this or that.

— mark stewart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Short-handed Slinger wrestlers roll to North Shore title," 3 Feb. 2018
Alexander won its first duals and second traditional title in Class AAAAAA last year, and the Cougars are back on a championship pace in 2018.

— AJC.com, "Dynasties at stake in 2018 state duals," 14 Jan. 2018
Hale, which shared the regular-season duals title with Menomonee Falls and Germantown, settled for third as a team in the tourney standings, logging 185.5 points and just finishing shy of Menomonee Falls (199) and Germantown (192.5).

— jr radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "West Allis Hale's Peyton Mocco caps off fourth consecutive Greater Metro title," 5 Feb. 2018
Glenelg has flirted with wrestling dominance, reaching the state duals finals in 2008 and 2010 before winning its only state title in 2011.

— tim schwartz, baltimoresun.com, "2017-18 All-Metro wrestling Coach of the Year: Matt Bichner, Glenelg," 9 Apr. 2018
Locust Grove, Ola and Cass are all looking to dethrone the Wolves, who won their second duals title last season.

— AJC.com, "Dynasties at stake in 2018 state duals," 14 Jan. 2018
The duals in Detroit Belle Isle will once again host races on back-to-back days in June, this year on June 2-3.

— ryan ford, Detroit Free Press, "2018 IndyCar preview: 5 things to know before June duals in Detroit," 11 Mar. 2018
The Bearcats are ranked second overall in the state behind defending champion Union County, who won a dual meet 39-28 over the Bearcats Jan. 27 to win the state duals championship.

— james weber, Cincinnati.com, "Regional championships on the line in swimming, wrestling," 9 Feb. 2018