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

Fostering dynamic two-way exchanges in all relationships helps employees, leaders, and ultimately organizations to grow. Action Steps: Approach mentorship as a mutual learning opportunity, allowing both parties to develop. —Alain Hunkins, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

Like the consumer version, Astro for Business had an HD periscope camera, night vision, 24/7 live view, and two-way talk. —Chloe Albanesius, PCMAG, 16 Dec. 2024

Travis Hunter, a superstar two-way player for the Colorado Buffaloes football team, has received nothing but positive press over the last few years. —Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 16 Dec. 2024

Yet a cleaner pathway for the team’s growth might be counting on Christie to continue his improvement, the two-way wing the Lakers desperately need maybe already in their locker room. —Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 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