bilingual

adjective

bi·​lin·​gual (ˌ)bī-ˈliŋ-gwəl How to pronounce bilingual (audio)
also -gyə-wəl
1
: having or expressed in two languages
a bilingual document
an officially bilingual nation
2
: using or able to use two languages especially with equal fluency
bilingual in English and Japanese
3
: of or relating to bilingual education
bilingual noun
bilingually adverb

Examples of bilingual in a Sentence

Several of the employees are bilingual. He is bilingual in English and Japanese. She grew up in a bilingual community. The town has an excellent bilingual education program.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That makes demands on language particularly sensitive in officially bilingual Canada. — Sara Miller Llana, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026 Like millions of other bilingual learners, Bigai sought a tutor to improve his English skills in an internet era with limited options. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026 United Community Centers will also provide on-site pre-K services, which will be bilingual and offered to up to 40 children. — Emily Holshouser august 21, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026 Expected to pilot in California in a few weeks, the mobile-first bilingual Early Investment Accounts Navigator plans to expand to other states by the end of the year. — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bilingual

Word History

Etymology

Latin bilinguis, from bi- + lingua tongue — more at tongue

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bilingual was in 1819

Phrases Containing bilingual

Rhymes for bilingual

See All Rhymes for bilingual

Browse Nearby Words

biling
bilingual
bilingual education
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bilingual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bilingual. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

bilingual

adjective
bi·​lin·​gual (ˌ)bī-ˈliŋ-g(yə-)wəl How to pronounce bilingual (audio)
1
: of, expressed in, or using two languages
a bilingual dictionary
2
: able to use two languages especially with fluency
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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