Synonyms of two-waynext
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
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.
Sharon Road will remain open to two-way traffic with signage and flaggers. Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026 The Heat remained without two-way contract players Vlad Goldin, Trevor Keels and Jahmir Young. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026 After recently signing a standard NBA contract after starting the season on a two-way deal, Cain did a little bit of everything with 11 points, five rebounds and two assists in 22 minutes. Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026 It's got some useful features, including smoke alarm detection to keep you and your family safe from potential threats, as well as two-way talk functionality to speak to people from your phone. George Yang, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for two-way

Word History

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of two-way was in 1571

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Cite this Entry

“Two-way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/two-way. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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

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