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

Whereas many comics from outside the United States adapt their sets for English-speaking audiences (or adopt a bilingual model), Redondo is betting big on the growing appetite for Spanish-language comedy in North America and is sticking to his usual act (despite speaking fluent English). —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 23 Sep. 2025

The center provides extra programming space to the neighboring bilingual charter elementary school, EJE Academies, and English as a Second Language classes partnering with the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College District. —Nicole Sours Larson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Sep. 2025

But not all regions have equal access to bilingual care workers, Gelatt said. —Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025

But there's a widespread belief among bilingual people that a little bit of alcohol actually improves one's fluency in a foreign language, which also relies on executive functioning. —ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025

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

Rhymes for bilingual

• sublingual
• trilingual
• lingual
• monolingual

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