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
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
Theodore H. White3
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
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
There’s also a ticking clock on Spencer Jones, who has been integral to their survival of the injury bug this season, starting more than half of their games on a two-way contract.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2026
The exceptionally cozy Softstream High-rise Pants are a rare 46 percent off and come in six eye-catching winter hues, while the ultra-packable Dance Studio Mid-rise Joggers are under $50 and feature a two-way stretch for comfort at any angle.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
The alarm sounds, live video begins streaming, GPS coordinates lock in and two-way communication connects directly to emergency dispatch over cellular service.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Indeed, her dynamic with her clientele is long-term, 360-degree and more of a two-way dialogue than directives on what to wear where — and when.
—James Manso, Footwear News, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for two-way
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Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2026
The exceptionally cozy Softstream High-rise Pants are a rare 46 percent off and come in six eye-catching winter hues, while the ultra-packable Dance Studio Mid-rise Joggers are under $50 and feature a two-way stretch for comfort at any angle.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
The alarm sounds, live video begins streaming, GPS coordinates lock in and two-way communication connects directly to emergency dispatch over cellular service.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Indeed, her dynamic with her clientele is long-term, 360-degree and more of a two-way dialogue than directives on what to wear where — and when.
—James Manso, Footwear News, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for two-way
Cite this Entry
“Two-way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/two-way. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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