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

Butler remains a talented, if mercurial, two-way star, even in his relative dotage at age 35 with 14 years of mileage — including two runs to the Finals with Miami — under his belt. —Alex Kirschenbaum, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025

Jurors saw other evidence, however, that respect with Madigan was certainly a two-way street. —Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025

On top of all that, Heat two-way contract players Josh Christopher and Isaiah Stevens have been selected to take part in the G League Up Next Game that will take place on Feb. 16 at Moscone Center in San Francisco during All-Star Weekend. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025

Although Orlando was set to be represented by rookie Tristan da Silva and two-way guard Mac McClung at the annual showcase of premier young talent that will take place Feb. 14 at 9 p.m. on TNT, second-year guard Anthony Black was nowhere to be found. —Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2025

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