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

Free agent offseason signings: forward Moussa Diabate (two-way contract), center Taj Gibson and guard Seth Curry. —Ashley Mahoney, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024

According to Indian government data, two-way trade grew from $3 billion in 2000 to $95 billion in 2018, with the balance strongly favoring China. —Ashok Sharma, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024

To wit, forming professional connections is a two-way street, and these friendships should be continuously nurtured. —Natalie McCormick, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2024

His early play impressed the Clippers enough to earn a two-way contract. —Janis Carr, Orange County Register, 22 Oct. 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