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 …

—Theodore H. White

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

Seattle Kraken Matty Beniers is a reliable, two-way center, and Shane Wright, Jake O’Brien and Berkly Catton are very good young forwards. — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

She was charged with scheme to defraud, felony use of a two-way communication device, and fraudulent use of a credit or debit card without consent involving a victim 60 years or older. — Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

The transfer from Tennessee may very well follow in the two-way footsteps of Travis Hunter, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner for the Buffaloes who's now with the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

The Nuggets needed Watson’s athleticism, his two-way skillset, his ability to create off the dribble. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for two-way

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• assez
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway

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