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Duplex can describe a confusing variety of things, depending on the technical field. Most of us use it as a noun: a duplex can be either a two-family house or a two-story apartment. In computer science and telecommunications, duplex (or full-duplex) communication can go in both directions at once, while half-duplex communication can go only one way at a time. In other areas, just translate duplex as "double" and see if the sentence makes sense.
Examples of duplex in a Sentence
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According to Stephens, rebuilding presents an opportunity for slightly more density in the single-family areas, by way of accessory dwelling units but probably not duplexes, if the Palisades remains exempt from SB 9.
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Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
For scanning and copying, the printer offers both a letter-size flatbed and the 30-sheet reversing ADF, which duplexes by scanning one side of a page, turning it over, and then scanning the other side.
—PC Magazine, 28 Aug. 2025
Also part of the kit are a lightweight battery, a duplexing antenna that allows both data transmission and wireless power charging, and sensors, none more than 6 millimeters in diameter.
—IEEE Spectrum, 14 Jan. 2024
See All Example Sentences for duplex
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Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
For scanning and copying, the printer offers both a letter-size flatbed and the 30-sheet reversing ADF, which duplexes by scanning one side of a page, turning it over, and then scanning the other side.
—PC Magazine, 28 Aug. 2025
Also part of the kit are a lightweight battery, a duplexing antenna that allows both data transmission and wireless power charging, and sensors, none more than 6 millimeters in diameter.
—IEEE Spectrum, 14 Jan. 2024
See All Example Sentences for duplex
Cite this Entry
“Duplex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duplex. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
duplex
1 of 2 adjective
du·plex
ˈd(y)ü-ˌpleks 
1
: being or consisting of two parts : twofold
2
: allowing communication at a distance (as by telephone or television) in opposite directions at the same time
duplex
2 of 2 noun
: something duplex: as
a
: a two-family house
b
: an apartment with rooms on two floors
Medical Definition
duplex
noun
du·plex
ˈd(y)ü-ˌpleks
: a molecule having two complementary polynucleotide strands of DNA or of DNA and RNA
duplex
adjective
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