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

Dru Smith is another undrafted guard who was once on a two-way deal with the Heat before being promoted to a standard contract and playing in a career-high 70 games with the Heat last season. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026

No, this isn’t the same guard from before the meniscus injury that flashed two-way greatness on a nightly basis during the Brondello era. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026

Although not necessarily guaranteed a roster spot — with two-way spots eligible to be subbed out at any time — Donaldson’s solid play during summer league and the Heat’s lack of depth at point guard both work in his favor. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026

The network had a two-way smuggling route between Algeria and Spain, transporting drugs to the African nation and cramming boats with migrants for the return trip to Spanish coastal towns, Spain’s Civil Guard said. — ABC News, 7 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