two-way

American  

[too-wey] / ˈtuˈweɪ /

adjective

1. providing for or allowing movement in opposite directions, or both to and from a place.

   two-way traffic.

2. allowing or entailing communication or exchange between two persons, groups, countries, etc.

3. involving two parties or participants, as a relationship or agreement; two-sided.

   a two-way race for the nomination.

4. entailing responsibilities, obligations, etc., on both such parties.

5. capable of both receiving and sending signals.

   a two-way radio.

6. capable of being used in two ways.

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two-way British  

adjective

1. moving, permitting movement, or operating in either of two opposite directions

   two-way traffic

   a two-way valve

2. involving two participants

   a two-way agreement

3. involving reciprocal obligation or mutual action

   a two-way process

4. (of a radio, telephone, etc) allowing communications in two directions using both transmitting and receiving equipment

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Etymology

Origin of two-way

First recorded in 1565–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

two-way

On an individual-country basis, Canada is America’s second-largest trading partner, with two-way annual trade of roughly $1 trillion.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026

Scientists often refer to this two-way communication system as the gut-brain axis.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 4, 2026

The Dodgers proved last season they need their two-way star to be an offensive catalyst and not a pitching sensation.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2026

"Sometimes it's the other way round. It's the local authority putting forward something that's unacceptable in terms of the impact on the community. It's a two-way street."

From BBC ● Aug. 23, 2026

He leans against it, arms folded, and I look past him, searching for the hidden two-way mirror.

From "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven