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

• bilaterally adverb
• bilateralism noun
• bilateralness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bilateral¹

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

Example Sentences

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

The only measure that takes immediate effect is the suspension of bilateral support to the Israeli government.

From BBC

India and the US are holding a day of trade talks, sparking hope that stalled negotiations on a bilateral agreement will soon resume.

From BBC

President John Mahama said nationals from various West African countries would now be taken in following a bilateral agreement with the US.

From BBC

Related Words

• mutual 
• reciprocal