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

Most of those picking Kennedy in a four-way ballot test backed Trump initially in a two-way race with Mr. Biden, including leaners. —Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2024

Kennedy picked up 15% of those who had chosen Trump in the two-way matchup and 7% of those who had chosen Biden, giving him 13% overall, the poll found. —David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2024

Sophomore Austin Smith, a two-way standout from Granite Hills High School, went 6-for-11 at the plate in last week’s sweep of Pepperdine. —Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2024

Over the last two seasons, 11 players who competed at Portsmouth eventually earned an NBA contract (including two-way or 10-day contracts). —Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 25 Apr. 2024

These network connections are defined by a two-way exchange of ideas, information and resources. —Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2024

Hoosick Street is a four-lane, two-way strip of asphalt that connects Troy to the rest of the state. —USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2024

Estrella Chicon was arrested on charges of use of a two-way device in the commission of a felony, eavesdropping, invasion of privacy and accessing a computer or electronic device without authorization. —David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2024

But Sunday marked the end of the season for Heat two-way contract players Jamal Cain, Cole Swider and Alondes Williams because two-way contract players are not eligible to take part in the playoffs. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 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