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 communicationJerrold 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 thingT. 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 Mizuhara had been Ohtani’s personal interpreter since the two-way Japanese player signed with the Angels in late 2017, a professional relationship that continued when Ohtani signed with the Dodgers this past offseason. Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2024 This bag is also super convenient with a two-way zip closure for easy access, a main compartment, and front and back zip pockets. Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2024 The two-way football standout then presented his mom with a card — and keys to the home. Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2024 The following items are prohibited: Any object that can be used to inflict bodily injury or disrupt the event, chemical dispensing devices, noise-making devices, two-way radios. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 21 Mar. 2024 The first clash of the two-game Seoul Series opened the MLB season and showcased an international appeal brought to the sport by an increasing lineup of Asian stars led by two-way Japanese star Ohtani, who joined the Dodgers in the offseason, signing the richest deal ever made by a major leaguer. Brad Lendon and Gawon Bae, CNN, 20 Mar. 2024 The suspects all face a range of charges, some of which include human trafficking, use of a computer to solicit a guardian, traveling to meet a minor and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony. Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2024 Glasnow wasn’t the most expensive addition of the Dodgers’ offseason, which was highlighted by the $700-million signing of two-way star Shohei Ohtani and the $325-million acquisition of Yamamoto. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2024 Top carrying handles make these bags easy to remove from your suitcase or backpack without tugging, and a two-way zipper creates an all-around smooth packing experience. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'two-way.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near two-way

Cite this Entry

“Two-way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/two-way. Accessed 30 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on two-way

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