bilateral

American  

[bahy-lat-er-uhl] / baɪˈlæt ər əl /

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.

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noun

1. Informal. a bilateral agreement, especially regarding international trade.

bilateral British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• bilateralism noun
• bilaterally adverb
• bilateralness noun

Etymology

Origin of bilateral

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

Example Sentences

"These conversations have been aimed at seeking solutions -- through dialogue -- to the bilateral differences that exist between our two nations," he added.

From Barron's

In a rare, televised press conference in Havana, the Cuban leader said the exchanges were “aimed at finding solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences between our two nations.”

From The Wall Street Journal

An advertisement for the train service, in Korean and Mandarin, touted a new chapter in bilateral relations with the greeting: “Welcome, Chinese comrades!”

From The Wall Street Journal

The resumption of the train link symbolised a return to a stronger bilateral relationship, said Lim Tai Wei, a professor and East Asia expert at Japan's Soka University.

From Barron's

Samson had played himself out of the playing 11 with poor returns in India's bilateral engagements leading into this World Cup.

From BBC

Related Words

• mutual
• reciprocal