ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bilingual

adj. · n.
US //baɪˈɫɪŋɡwəɫ// UK //baɪlˈɪŋɡwəl// bilin·gual
  1. 1 speaking two languages (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    able to speak two languages perfectly or very well.

    having the ability to speak two languages with native or near-native fluency.

    Example

    She grew up in Montreal and is completely bilingual in French and English.

    Example

    The company prioritises hiring bilingual candidates to better serve their diverse client base in the border regions.

    Usage

    Usually followed by the preposition 'in' when specifying the languages.
    • diglossic
    • monolingual
  2. 2 written in two languages (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    written or spoken in two different languages.

    expressed in, using, or containing two languages, often for the purpose of accessibility or education.

    Example

    The street signs in this city are bilingual so everyone can read them.

    Example

    The museum provides bilingual brochures to ensure that international tourists can navigate the exhibits without a private guide.
    • dual language
  3. 3 a person (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    someone who can use two languages fluently.

    a person with the ability to use two languages with equal or nearly equal facility.

    Example

    As a bilingual, he often helps his friends translate difficult emails.

    Example

    Psychological studies suggest that bilinguals may possess a cognitive advantage in tasks requiring executive control and task-switching.
    • polyglot
    • monoglot
Origin

From Latin bilinguis + -al; equivalent to bi- + lingual.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026