dual

1 of 2

adjective

du·​al ˈdü(-ə)l 

 also  ˈdyü-əl

1

of grammatical number : denoting reference to two

a dual pronoun

2

a

: consisting of two parts or elements or having two like parts : double

families with dual incomes

held dual citizenship in France and the U.S.

a dual function

a dual exhaust system

b

: having a double character or nature

dual

2 of 2

noun

1

linguistics : the dual (see dual entry 1 sense 1) number of a language

2

linguistics : a linguistic form in the dual

Synonyms

Adjective

• binary
• bipartite
• double
• double-barreled
• double-edged
• duplex
• twin
• twofold

Examples of dual in a Sentence

Adjective

the dual purpose of the study

She pursued dual careers in music and acting.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

This dual focus reflects its commitment to supporting traditional enterprise workloads while enhancing its AI services. —Janakiram Msv, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Traditionally, critics have played the dual role of doorman and amplifier, deciding which literature or music or film (to name just a few media) is worthwhile, then augmenting the experience by giving audiences more context. —T.m. Brown, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2024

Noun

Maryland wrestling’s dual against American on Saturday has been moved to South Carroll High School. —Timothy Dashiell, Baltimore Sun, 11 Nov. 2024

The Rome Olympics in 1960 featured a dual in the decathlon between two men representing different countries who had also become good friends: Rafer Johnson of the United States and Yang Chuan-Kwang (C. K. Yang) of Taiwan. —Tim Genske, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

Latin dualis, from duo two — more at two

First Known Use

Adjective

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dual

• dual carriageway
• dual citizenship
• dual energy X-ray absorptiometry
• dual meet
• dual-purpose

Kids Definition

dual

adjective

du·​al

ˈd(y)ü-əl

1

: consisting of two parts or elements : having two parts alike

dual headphone jacks

2

: having a double character or nature

a dual function

dual citizenship

duality

d(y)ü-ˈal-ət-ē

noun

dually

ˈd(y)ü-ə-lē

adverb

Etymology

Adjective

from Latin dualis "dual," from duo "two" — related to deuce, double, dozen