dual

1 of 2

adjective

du·​al ˈdü(-ə)l How to pronounce dual (audio)
 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
In essence, the Fed has satisfied its dual mandate of keeping inflation and unemployment low. Rob Wile, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024 Elsewhere is a bar/parlor room, as well as an inviting primary suite that comes complete with a Juliette balcony, a walk-in closet, and a luxe bath flaunting dual vanities and a large shower. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 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 See all Example Sentences for dual 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of dual was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near dual

Cite this Entry

“Dual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dual. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on dual

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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