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—T. H. White †1986
T. H. White †19863
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
Sam Reinhart is a Selke Trophy finalist this year, and Barkov is a two-time winner and one of the best two-way centers in the NHL.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Note: Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani averaged a mammoth 11.40 strikeouts per nine innings in six seasons with the Angels but hasn’t pitched enough to qualify for the all-time list.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Three-time All-Star power forward Julius Randle, who put on a two-way clinic through the first two rounds of the playoffs only to turn into a pumpkin in the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, has a $30.9 million player option.
—Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
His season ended in December by an Achilles tear, Smith was retained for the balance of the season on a two-way contract.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for two-way
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.
Michael Russo, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Note: Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani averaged a mammoth 11.40 strikeouts per nine innings in six seasons with the Angels but hasn’t pitched enough to qualify for the all-time list.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Three-time All-Star power forward Julius Randle, who put on a two-way clinic through the first two rounds of the playoffs only to turn into a pumpkin in the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, has a $30.9 million player option.
—Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
His season ended in December by an Achilles tear, Smith was retained for the balance of the season on a two-way contract.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 31 May 2025
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 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share