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

The US has already reached bilateral deportation agreements with a number of countries.

From BBC

At the same time, Kenya is trying to strike its own bilateral deal with the US.

From BBC

"There's an intersection between the growth ambitions of the government, the health ambitions of the government, the trade ambitions of the government and bilateral relations with the US," he added.

From BBC

Optimism had surrounded a lifting of the ban earlier this year, as bilateral ties appeared to be warming.

From BBC

Inside Chequers, the US President viewed the Sir Winston Churchill archives alongside the UK Prime Minister, before engaging in bilateral talks.

From BBC

Related Words

• mutual 
• reciprocal