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bilingual definition

bi·lin·gual (bī liŋ′gwəl)

adjective

  1. of or in two languages
  2. using or capable of using two languages, esp. with equal or nearly equal facility
  3. designating a method of education in which students who are not yet fluent in the language of the country where they live are taught in their native language

Etymology: < L bilinguis (< bi-, bi- + lingua, tongue) + -al

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

bilingual Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • Japanese: Due to our tried and tested sourcing methods we boast the world's largest candidate base of Japanese bilinguals studying or working across Europe.

Modifies a noun

  • dictionary: Check whether parents would be able to provide a bilingual dictionary for the pupil.

Modifying Another Word

  • officially: Language: Although Canada is officially bilingual ( English and French ), English is more commonly spoken in Saskatchewan.

Noun used with modifier

  • adult: Of interest to the authors is also whether adult bilinguals perceive speech similarly or differently to monolinguals.

Used with adjective complement

  • become: Thanks to the BBC, some country children were becoming bilingual.

Preposition: in

  • language: Being bilingual in any language can have very positive effects on children and their education.
bilingual usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

bilingual quotes

All pro athletes are bilingual. They speak English and profanity.

-Howe, Gordie (Gordon)

bilingual quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"bilingual." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/bilingual>

APA Style

bilingual. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/bilingual

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