bilingual

[ bahy-ling-gwuhl or, Canadian, -ling-gyoo-uhl ]

/ baɪˈlɪŋ gwəl or, Canadian, -ˈlɪŋ gyu əl /

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adjective

able to speak two languages with the facility of a native speaker.

spoken, written, or containing similar information in two different languages: a bilingual dictionary; Public notices at the embassy are bilingual.

of, involving, or using two languages: a bilingual community; bilingual schools.

noun

a bilingual person.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of bilingual

1835–45; <Latin bilingu(is) (bi-bi-¹ + lingu-, stem of lingua tongue + -is adj. suffix) + -al¹

OTHER WORDS FROM bilingual

bi·lin·gual·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use bilingual in a sentence

They were bi-lingual, being in English and in coast Arabic, in which dialect Bones was something of a master.
The Keepers of the King's Peace|Edgar Wallace
A fragment of what might very possibly turn out to be a bi-lingual inscription was the last find.
Lady Merton, Colonist|Mrs. Humphry Ward
It would be nearer the truth to call the mediævals bi-lingual than to call their Latin a dead language.
A Short History of England|G. K. Chesterton
In bi-lingual districts children's answers would have a special value.
Literary Tours in The Highlands and Islands of Scotland|Daniel Turner Holmes

These bi-lingual texts are an attempt to speed up Indian understanding of modern life.
Little Man's Family|J. B. Enochs

British Dictionary definitions for bilingual

bilingual

/ (baɪˈlɪŋɡwəl) /

adjective

able to speak two languages, esp with fluency

written or expressed in two languages

noun

a bilingual person

Derived forms of bilingual

bilingualism, nounbilingually, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012