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

Chargers Justin Herbert and Bo Nix have long admired one another’s gridiron feats Oct. 9, 2024 The Chargers’ fullback and defensive lineman is the NFL’s only two-way player, appearing in 36% of the team’s offensive snaps, 19.7% on defense and 57.8% on special teams. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2024

This two-way chat builds trust and loyalty, creating a group of fans who will be excited about your future books. —Vikrant Shaurya, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024

The two-way Ohtani, who earns $700 million over 10 years after coming to the Dodgers as a free agent, is rehabbing still from right elbow surgery and isn’t expected to pitch again until next season. —Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 10 Oct. 2024

Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers' retirement has created a two-way or potentially three-way Republican race, while the likely Democratic chair has led his party on the committee for nearly a decade. —Daniel Moore, Axios, 10 Oct. 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