bilingual
Bilingual (adj) means Able to speak two languages fluently. Example: “Their children grew up bilingual in Spanish and English.”
How to use bilingual
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishInvolving or capable of using two languages.
Word forms
bilinguals plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Their children grew up _____ in Spanish and English.
Etymology
From Latin bilinguis, from bi- ("two") + lingua ("tongue, language").
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for bilingual
See all rhymes for bilingual →Frequently asked questions
What does “bilingual” mean?
The word “bilingual” means able to speak two languages fluently. In plain terms, involving or capable of using two languages.
How do you pronounce “bilingual”?
“Bilingual” is pronounced beye-LIHNG-gwuhl (/baɪˈlɪŋ.ɡwəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “bilingual” in a sentence?
Here is “bilingual” used in a sentence: “Their children grew up bilingual in Spanish and English.”
What is another word for “bilingual”?
Words with a similar meaning to “bilingual” include two-tongued.
What part of speech is “bilingual”?
Depending on how it is used, “bilingual” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “bilingual” come from?
The word “bilingual” comes from Latin. From Latin bilinguis, from bi- ("two") + lingua ("tongue, language").
Is “bilingual” a common word?
“Bilingual” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “bilingual” have?
“Bilingual” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: able to speak two languages fluently.