bidirectional

adjective

bi·​di·​rec·​tion·​al ˌbī-də-ˈrek-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce bidirectional (audio)
-dī-
: involving, moving, or taking place in two usually opposite directions
bidirectional flow
bidirectional replication of DNA
bidirectionally adverb

Examples of bidirectional in a Sentence

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.
Tesla’s EVs aren’t the first or only ones with bidirectional charging; companies like Kia and GM also offer vehicle-to-home power on their vehicles, while Nissan’s Leaf offered power-to-grid charging years ago. — Stevie Bonifield, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026 The oral-gut axis is a bidirectional communication network linking the mouth and digestive system through the bloodstream, saliva and the gut-brain axis. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026 But with bidirectional charging, its battery can potentially send electricity back to a building or the grid. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026 What’s still limiting this idea is the need for bidirectional charging technology. — New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bidirectional

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bidirectional was in 1889

Rhymes for bidirectional

See All Rhymes for bidirectional

Browse Nearby Words

biding place
bidirectional
bid off
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bidirectional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bidirectional. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bidirectional

adjective
bi·​di·​rec·​tion·​al ˌbī-də-ˈrek-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce bidirectional (audio)
-dī-
: involving, moving, or taking place in usually two opposite directions

Medical Definition

bidirectional

adjective
bi·​di·​rec·​tion·​al ˌbī-də-ˈrek-shnəl, -dī-, -shən-ᵊl How to pronounce bidirectional (audio)
: involving, moving, or taking place in two usually opposite directions
bidirectional flow of materials in axons
bidirectional replication of DNA
bidirectionally
-ē How to pronounce bidirectional (audio)
adverb
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