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

The prevalence of undrafted players in NBA rotations is at an all-time high, in part because of the league’s introducing two-way contracts in 2017-18 and now allowing three such contracts per team, but also due to the sheer depth of the talent pool. —Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 27 June 2024

Claxton, who was selected 31st overall by the Nets in the 2019 NBA Draft, has steadily improved at both ends of the court in each of his first five NBA seasons and is now considered one of the better two-way players in the league at his position. —C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 27 June 2024

More than anything, though, McNair raved about Carter’s length, versatility and potential as a two-way player who can man both guard spots and defend multiple positions. —Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 27 June 2024

Following the draft, the Lakers added French forward Armel Traore and Pittsburgh wing Blake Hinson on two-way contracts, according to people familiar with the moves not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. —Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 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