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bidirectional

American  
[bahy-di-rek-shuh-nl, -dahy-] / ˌbaɪ dɪˈrɛk ʃə nl, -daɪ- /

adjective

  1. capable of reacting or functioning in two, usually opposite, directions.


bidirectional British  
/ ˌbaɪdɪˈrɛkʃənəl /

adjective

  1. computing (of a printhead) capable of printing from left to right and from right to left

"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

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of bidirectional

First recorded in 1940–45; bi- 1 + directional

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

For instance, the researchers built a bidirectional switch using two transistors that detect OC 12.

From Science Daily Sep. 4, 2026

General Motors is expanding into alternative EV battery uses, including bidirectional charging and utility-scale storage, beyond vehicle sales.

From Barron's Jun. 10, 2026

Last month, Tims installed a transfer switch and a bidirectional EV charger for a customer to use a Cybertruck, equivalent to more than six Powerwalls.

From The Wall Street Journal Feb. 1, 2026

The company plans to eventually offer an on-demand ride-hailing service using purpose-built autonomous vehicles with no steering wheel and bidirectional capability.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 15, 2025

In California, for example, the state Senate has considered requiring EVs to be bidirectional.

From Slate Jul. 18, 2024

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