double-ended

[ duhb-uhl-en-did ]

adjective

1. having the two ends alike.
2. Nautical.
   1. operating equally well with either end as the bow, as a ferryboat.
   2. noting a vessel having a stern curved or pointed so as to resemble or suggest a bow.
3. noting any of various vehicles, as certain streetcars, designed to be operated with either end serving as the front.

Word History and Origins

Origin of double-ended¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Colin clambered into the double-ended boat with its high prow and stern and settled himself down excitedly.

From Project Gutenberg

In these they embark four men to go fishing, each one rowing with a double-ended oar.

From Project Gutenberg

Its body, in fact, might be roughly compared to the form of a double-ended whaleboat.

From Project Gutenberg

Skiff—A light swift open boat, generally double-ended for rowing, but sometimes equipped for sailing.

From Project Gutenberg

It contained three instruments all of silver, a cyathiscomele, a grooved director, and a plain double-ended stylet.

From Project Gutenberg