bilateral

[bahy-lat-er-uhl]

adjective

1. pertaining to, involving, or affecting two or both sides, factions, parties, or the like.

   a bilateral agreement; bilateral sponsorship.

2. located on opposite sides of an axis; two-sided, especially when of equal size, value, etc.

3. Biology.,  pertaining to the right and left sides of a structure, plane, etc.

4. Chiefly Law.,  (of a contract) binding the parties to reciprocal obligations.

5. through both parents equally.

   bilateral affiliation.

noun

1. Informal.,  a bilateral agreement, especially regarding international trade.

bilateral

/ baɪˈlætərəl /

adjective

1. having or involving two sides

2. affecting or undertaken by two parties; mutual

   a bilateral treaty

3. denoting or relating to bilateral symmetry

4. having identical sides or parts on each side of an axis; symmetrical

5. sociol relating to descent through both maternal and paternal lineage Compare unilateral

6. relating to an education that combines academic and technical courses

7. a bilateral meeting

Other Word Forms

• bilateralism noun
• bilateralness noun
• bilaterally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of bilateral¹

First recorded in 1765–75; bi- ¹ + lateral

Example Sentences

Special Forces to capture or kill drug bosses, according to people familiar with bilateral security discussions.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The two leaders didn’t hold a bilateral meeting there.

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England have lost six of their past seven bilateral series in 50-over cricket in a shocking and concerning run that goes back to the start of the 2023 World Cup.

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The South Korean leader is keen to "seek a measure of economic stability and a more predictable floor in bilateral relations," he told AFP.

Read more on Barron's

He said they should also "strengthen policy-level dialogue to enhance trust and dispel uncertainty", and build a bilateral military relationship "characterised by equality, respect, peaceful coexistence and stable positive momentum".

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• mutual 
• reciprocal