noun
bilingualism
bye-LING-gwuh-liz-um
Bilingualism (noun) means being able to use two languages fluently, or the state of being bilingual. Example: “Bilingualism is common in many border towns.”
noun
1
Being able to use two languages fluently, or the state of being bilingual.
"Bilingualism is common in many border towns."
"Her bilingualism helped her get the job at the embassy."
"The school promotes bilingualism from the first grade."
How to use bilingualism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing able to speak two languages.
When to use it
It is a neutral, somewhat formal word common in education and linguistics.
Memory tip
Use bilingual for the person and bilingualism for the ability or condition.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
promote bilingualism
early bilingualism
benefits of bilingualism
research on bilingualism
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Fill the gap
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_____ is common in many border towns.
Etymology
The word is built from the English word bilingual plus the suffix -ism, which turns it into a noun for a condition.
Antonyms
monolingualism
Related words
Rhymes for bilingualism
realism
fatalism
idealism
globalism
pluralism
socialism
vandalism
federalism
radicalism
capitalism
liberalism
surrealism
See all rhymes for bilingualism →
Frequently asked questions
What does bilingualism mean?
Bilingualism is being able to use two languages well. It can also describe the condition of being bilingual.
What is the difference between bilingual and bilingualism?
Bilingual describes a person or thing that uses two languages. Bilingualism is the noun for that condition or ability.
Is bilingualism countable?
It can be used both ways, but it is most often uncountable, as in "bilingualism is useful."
What is the meaning of bilingualism?
"bilingualism" (noun) means being able to use two languages fluently, or the state of being bilingual.
