two-way

adjective

ˈtü-ˈwā 

1

: moving or allowing movement in either direction

a two-way bridge

2

a

: involving or allowing an exchange between two individuals or groups

there must be good two-way communication

—Jerrold Orne

especially : designed for both sending and receiving messages

two-way radio

b

: involving mutual responsibility or reciprocal relationships

political alliance is a two-way thing

—T. H. White †1986

3

a

: involving two participants

a two-way race

b

sports : playing on both the offensive and defensive squads of a team (as in American football)

Frost, a throwback to the era of two-way players, is the Cardinal's starting free safety and backup quarterback.

—The New York Times

also : playing both offense and defense well

a basketball forward who's a talented two-way player

4

: usable in either of two manners

a two-way lamp

5

: being a cock or valve that will connect a pipe or channel with either of two others

Examples of two-way in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The companies’ two-way television content co-production and distribution agreement is also to be put on ice. —Patrick Frater, Variety, 22 May 2024

Sequestered upstairs, the opulent primary retreat has a two-way fireplace between the bedroom and a lounge area, along with a balcony and dual walk-in closets and baths. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 22 May 2024

Pitcher of the Year went to Portland’s Carter Gaston. USD two-way standout Austin Smith, a junior from Granite Hills High School, joined the other three Toreros players on the all-WCC first team as a pitcher. —Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2024

Because that’s your feedback and that’s your way of having that two-way conversation as well. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 21 May 2024

Converted to a temporary two-way traffic pattern between Seventh Street and Sixth Street. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 21 May 2024

There was little surprise when Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov won his second career Selke Trophy, given annually to the NHL’s best two-way forward. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 20 May 2024

There’s a wide variety of print options, and many styles have snaps or two-way zippers instead of buttons for easier on and off. —Maya Polton, Parents, 18 May 2024

The two-way star, who was traded to the Dodgers late last year, is free to continue playing. —Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

two-way

adjective

1

: moving or acting or allowing movement or action in either direction

two-way traffic

a two-way street

2

a

: involving two persons or groups

communication is a two-way process

b

: made to send and receive messages

a two-way radio