bilingual

[ bahy-ling-gwuhlor, Canadian, -ling-gyoo-uhl ]

adjective

1. able to speak two languages with the facility of a native speaker.
2. spoken, written, or containing similar information in two different languages:

   a bilingual dictionary; Public notices at the embassy are bilingual.

3. of, involving, or using two languages:

   a bilingual community; bilingual schools.

noun

1. a bilingual person.

bilingual

/ baɪˈlɪŋɡwəl /

adjective

1. able to speak two languages, esp with fluency
2. written or expressed in two languages

noun

1. a bilingual person

Derived Forms

• biˈlingualˌism, noun
• biˈlingually, adverb

Other Words From

• bi·lingual·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of bilingual¹

1835–45; < Latin bilingu ( is ) ( bi- bi- ¹ + lingu-, stem of lingua tongue + -is adj. suffix) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The works have been on loan to the museum since 2009 and on show in the specially designed bilingual Room 95.

From BBC

"Wales is, and can be, a truly bilingual country where we have English and Welsh co-existing and intermingling," he added.

From BBC

At a recent bilingual candidate debate, De León spoke mostly in rapid-fire Spanish, while Jurado, relying on an interpreter and a discreetly hidden earpiece, gave all but her final remarks in English.

From Los Angeles Times

In Mexico, those who grow up attending public schools, as was his case, don’t have access to a bilingual education.

From Los Angeles Times

“Pedro has been a great teacher for me,” Briones says of his bilingual character who can advocate for himself.

From Los Angeles Times