bimonthly

[ bahy-muhnth-lee ]

adjective

1. occurring every two months.
2. occurring twice a month; semimonthly.

noun

, plural bi·month·lies.

1. a bimonthly publication.

adverb

1. every two months:

   Next year we plan six field trips to take place bimonthly.

2. twice a month; semimonthly.

bimonthly

/ baɪˈmʌnθlɪ /

adjective

1. every two months
2. See bi-
   (often avoided because of confusion with sense 1) twice a month; semimonthly See bi- 1

noun

1. a periodical published every two months

Confusables Note

See bi- ¹.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bimonthly¹

First recorded in 1840–50; bi- ¹ + monthly

Example Sentences

The situation is the same with “bimonthly,” which can mean “twice a month” and “every two months.”

From The Daily Beast

He explained that his pay was six rupees a month paid bimonthly.

From Project Gutenberg

For a long time now he has eaten of the white man's lotos—the bimonthly beef-issue.

From Project Gutenberg

Bimensal, bī-mens′al, adj. happening once in two months: bimonthly.

From Project Gutenberg

Bimonthly, bī-munth′li, adj. once in two months; also twice a month.

From Project Gutenberg

Sessions for the trial of grave criminal cases are held monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly, according to circumstances.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• booklet
• brochure
• daily
• journal
• manual
• newsletter
• newspaper
• pamphlet
• paper
• periodical
• weekly

More About Bimonthly

What does bimonthly mean?

Bimonthly is commonly used to mean one of two things: once every two months or twice per month.

It can be used this way as an adjective, as in a bimonthly meeting, or an adverb, as in We plan to meet bimonthly. 

Yes, you can sometimes figure out what bimonthly means from the context of the sentence. But not always. The term bimonthly meeting might mean that it happens twice a month or every two months—both senses of the word are commonly used. Here’s the best (and maybe only) way to be perfectly clear: just say “twice a month” or “once every two months.”

Bimonthly can also be used as a noun referring to a publication that’s published twice per month or once every two month (as opposed to a daily or weekly, for example).

Examples:

• New episodes of my bimonthly podcast come out on the first and 15th of every month. 
• Let’s plan to meet bimonthly so we can fit in six meetings this year.

Where does bimonthly come from?

The first records of the word bimonthly come from the 1800s. The prefix bi- means “twice” or “two.” The suffix -ly, which usually forms adverbs, is used in bimonthly to mean “every.” It’s used in the same way in several other units of time, including hourly, daily, monthly, and yearly.

Different prefixes can be added to monthly to indicate a different period of time, such as in trimonthly (every three months or three times a month) and semimonthly (twice a month). When intended to mean “twice a month,” bimonthly is sometimes replaced with semimonthly for clarity, but this might not help, especially since semimonthly is much less common. Further confusing things is the fact that bimonthly can essentially mean biweekly—“every two weeks.” But biweekly can also mean “twice a week.” The easiest thing to do is just say exactly when the meetings will be—or cancel them all together.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to bimonthly?

• bimonthlies (plural noun)

What are some synonyms for bimonthly?

• every two months
• twice a month
• semimonthly

What are some words that share a root or word element with bimonthly? 

 

• monthly
• month
• biweekly
• biannually

What are some words that often get used in discussing bimonthly?

• paid
• paycheck
• meeting
• newspaper
• publication
• rate
• schedule
• regular
• release

How is bimonthly used in real life?

Bimonthly is commonly used to mean both “twice a month” and “every two months.” To avoid confusion, it’s a good idea to clarify exactly which one you mean.

The @globeandmail just scored big. @TanyaTalaga is joining us for bimonthly columns and investigations.

— Robyn Doolittle (@robyndoolittle) June 24, 2020

We are looking for regular contributors to be featured on a monthly or bimonthly basis. If you think your work fits then please inquire with some of your work.

Also, regular submissions are always open as.

— Cypress: A Literary Journal (@PressCypress) June 3, 2020

today during my bimonthly trip to the grocery store, the lady behind me in line slammed 5 bars of Lindt chocolate on the belt and was like "These times call for CHOCOLATE!"…absolutely beautiful…the world needs MORE kathys and LESS karens….

— Gabby Noone (@twelveoclocke) July 16, 2020

 

 

Try using bimonthly!

Is bimonthly used correctly in the following sentence?

The magazine will transition from being a bimonthly to a quarterly.