bilingual

adjective

bi·​lin·​gual (ˌ)bī-ˈliŋ-gwəl 

 also  -gyə-wəl

1

: having or expressed in two languages

a bilingual document

an officially bilingual nation

2

: using or able to use two languages especially with equal fluency

bilingual in English and Japanese

3

: of or relating to bilingual education

bilingual noun

bilingually adverb

Examples of bilingual in a Sentence

Several of the employees are bilingual.

He is bilingual in English and Japanese.

She grew up in a bilingual community.

The town has an excellent bilingual education program.

Recent Examples on the Web

Hernandez has brought charming puppy-dog energy and bilingual flair to his regular sketch appearances while also becoming, on the side, a commercial pitchman for products like T-Mobile and Major League Baseball. —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Dec. 2024

Other highlights of the renovations will be improved accessibility and bilingual exhibits in both English and Hawaiian. —Will McGough, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

Arturo Conde Arturo Conde is an editor and a bilingual freelance journalist. —Arturo Conde, NBC News, 19 Dec. 2024

Lily-Rose Depp is showing off her bilingual talents. —Tommy McArdle, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin bilinguis, from bi- + lingua tongue — more at tongue

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing bilingual

• bilingual education

Kids Definition

bilingual

adjective

bi·​lin·​gual (ˌ)bī-ˈliŋ-g(yə-)wəl 

1

: of, expressed in, or using two languages

a bilingual dictionary

2

: able to use two languages especially with fluency