bilingualism

noun

bi·​lin·​gual·​ism (ˌ)bī-ˈliŋ-gwə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce bilingualism (audio)
1
: the ability to speak two languages
2
: the frequent use (as by a community) of two languages
3
: the political or institutional recognition of two languages

Examples of bilingualism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Speak Your Customers' Language In much of Florida, bilingualism (especially communicating in Spanish) is a business imperative. Frank Rojas, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 Students cited their Hispanic heritage, emphasizing hard work, bilingualism and family support as key sources of strength. Dayna L. Martinez, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 June 2025 Meanwhile, crosscutting ties of intermarriage, bilingualism, and political alliance regularly transcend ethnicity. Thomas Barfield, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2011 Quebec's predominantly French-speaking population would certainly insist on maintaining Canada's official bilingualism as a condition of joining the union. Steve Forbes, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bilingualism

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bilingualism was in 1873

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Cite this Entry

“Bilingualism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bilingualism. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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