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

Rather than pushing top-down mandates, leadership opened a two-way dialogue with frontline staff and patients alike. —Izabela Lundberg, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Kuzmenko’s superb two-way performance highlighted his recent surge for the Kings, who acquired him last month. —Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2025

For the six-piece collection—which features workwear essentials like two-way stretch bootcut jeans, bandanas and overalls in multiple colorways—Dovetail and John Deere collaborated directly with female farmers through surveys, focus groups and wear testing. —Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 2 Apr. 2025

Tennis balls hit the water to be retrieved by eager dogs and the paths flow with a steady stream of two-way traffic — walkers, joggers and cyclists. —Dana Oland, Idaho Statesman, 1 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for two-way

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway
• beret

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