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 caregiving role, coupled with the current economic challenges, is creating a perfect storm of stress and financial burden for a growing number of people in the United States. —Jack Kelly, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

Work on union projects largely halted during the dual writers’ and actors’ strikes in 2023 and production never fully rebounded after, including once IATSE negotiated a new contract with film and television employers, avoiding its own work stoppage, this year. —Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Oct. 2024

Noun

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

Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil For the folks who fancy both an oil cleanser and foaming cleanser, this gentle oil to foam facial cleanser duals as a multi-purpose body cleanser for dry to extra dry, sensitive skin. —Shani Hillian, Essence, 8 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