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

Adjective

• binary
• bipartite
• double
• double-barreled
• double-edged
• duplex
• twin
• twofold

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

What To Know The Japanese Defense Ministry issued another update on the Chinese dual aircraft carrier deployment on Friday, revealing that the Liaoning and its naval task group returned to the East China Sea from the Philippine Sea after transiting the Miyako Strait that same day. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025

Designing dual reward systems—that honor achievement while investing in future capability—is essential for talent sustainability. 5. —Melanie Hughes, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

Noun

In other words, there will be fewer students, fewer faculty, fewer staff and diminished capacity to serve the dual (but intertwined) missions of teaching and research. —David Rosowsky, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025

After going 2-1 in league duals, University outdistanced eventual state champion Northwood and defending league champion Portola to claim the league finals meet with 718 points. —Dan Albano, Oc Register, 4 June 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