dual

1 of 2

adjective

du·​al ˈdü(-ə)l How to pronounce dual (audio)
 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Best Fourth of July BHG x Walmart Outdoor Furniture Deals Better Homes & Gardens Set of 2 River Oaks Outdoor Swivel Gliders These dual swivel gliders will pair perfectly with a morning cup of coffee or an evening cocktail. Nicole Pyles, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2025 Hiestand currently serves on the board of the St. Hope Endowment and previously held dual roles as school founder Kevin Johnson’s personal lawyer and the school’s Title IX officer. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 1 July 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 See All Example Sentences for dual

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of dual was in 1597

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dual. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on dual

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!