bilingualism

noun

bi·​lin·​gual·​ism (ˌ)bī-ˈliŋ-gwə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce bilingualism (audio)
1
: the ability to speak two languages
2
: the frequent use (as by a community) of two languages
3
: the political or institutional recognition of two languages

Examples of bilingualism 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.
Think of it as cognitive bilingualism. — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025 But with a background in linguistics and a PhD focused on bilingualism, Bruni says those fears aren’t backed by research. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026 Many school systems treat bilingualism as an afterthought, not beginning foreign language education until high school. — Aiden Tracey, Mercury News, 8 Dec. 2025 Kraus has written extensively on music, concussions, aging, speech, bilingualism, autism, technology and HIV through her work. — Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bilingualism

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bilingualism was in 1873

Rhymes for bilingualism

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Browse Nearby Words

bilingual education
bilingualism
bilinguality
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Cite this Entry

“Bilingualism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bilingualism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bilingualism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bilingualism

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