bilateral
baɪˈlætərəl
Definition Synonyms

Definition of bilateral - Reverso English Dictionary

Adjective

1.
equal involvementinvolving both sides equally
  • They reached a bilateral agreement on the issue.
mutual reciprocal two-sided
2.
binding agreementbinding on both of the two parties involved
  • The bilateral treaty was signed by both countries.
mutual reciprocal two-sided
3.
shapehaving two sides or parts
  • The bilateral structure of the building was impressive.
dual two-sided
4.
descentTECH.involving descent through both maternal and paternal lineageTECH.
  • The tribe follows a bilateral kinship system.
two-sided
Add a suggestion |

Expressions with bilateral

💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
formal discussion held between two parties such as governments or organizations
The presidents held a bilateral meeting to discuss trade and security issues.
diplomatic political and economic ties between two countries
Trade disputes can seriously damage bilateral relations between neighboring states.
formal written agreement under international law between two states or parties
The two nations signed a bilateral treaty on environmental protection.
trade agreement involving two countries
They signed a bilateral trade agreement last year.
lineage traced through both maternal and paternal ancestors
In many cultures, bilateral descent determines inheritance rights.
symmetry involving two sides that are mirror images of each other
The human body exhibits bilateral symmetry..

Origin of bilateral

Latin, bi (two) + latus (side)

Terms with bilateral included in their meaning

💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
bilabbr.
abr: bilateral
involving or affecting two sides or parties
biology
having bilateral and radial symmetry
plant
bilateral symmetry in flowers
biology
having bilateral symmetry
symmetry
quality of being bilateral

Examples of bilateral in a sentence

  • A bilateral contract was signed to ensure fair trade.
  • They reached a bilateral agreement on trade.
  • The bilateral contract was beneficial for both parties.
  • The butterfly has bilateral wings.
  • Doctors examined the patient's bilateral symmetry.
  • Their family tree is traced bilaterally.

View all translations of bilateral

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:bilatéral, double, ...
  2. German:bilateral, gegenseitig, ...
  3. Italian:bilaterale, bifacciale, ...
  4. Spanish:bilateral, doble, ...
  5. Portuguese:bilateral, bipartido, ...
  6. Chinese:双边的, 两侧的, ...
  7. Japanese:双務的な, 双方に拘束力のある, ...
  8. Arabic:ثُنَائِيّ, ثُنَائِيّ الجانب, ...
  9. Hebrew:דּוּ־צַדָּדִי, דּוּ צְדָדִי, ...
  10. Russian:двусторонний, двухчастный, ...
  11. Ukrainian:двосторонній, взаємний, ...
  12. Hindi:द्विपक्षीय, दोतरफ़ा, ...
Browse the dictionary entries starting with “b”:

Discover how Reverso redefines the dictionary

Go beyond “simple words”

Get more than a simple definition

Go from understanding to mastery