du·plex
ˈdü-ˌpleks 
also ˈdyü-
: something duplex: such as
a
: a 2-family house
b
c
: a duplex molecule of DNA or of RNA and DNA
Did you know?
Duplex can describe a confusing variety of things, depending on the technical field. Most of us use it as a noun: a duplex can be either a two-family house or a two-story apartment. In computer science and telecommunications, duplex (or full-duplex) communication can go in both directions at once, while half-duplex communication can go only one way at a time. In other areas, just translate duplex as "double" and see if the sentence makes sense.
Synonyms
Examples of duplex in a Sentence
Adjective
a duplex apartment with all of the bedrooms on the second floor
Noun
We live in the brick duplex.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jon Gorey, BostonGlobe.com, 20 Jan. 2023
The project consists of 10 duplex-style homes of 1,300 square feet apiece, with three bedrooms, attached two-car garages and private yards.
—Joe Tash, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Dec. 2022
IEEE Spectrum, 14 Jan. 2024
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2024
Her body was found days later near a vacant duplex.
—CBS News, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for duplex 
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Adjective
This duplex-style unit is on the top two floors of a 2000 midrise near the Ruggles Orange Line station, Northeastern University, and the Kings’ first home together as a married couple on Northampton Street.
—Jon Gorey, BostonGlobe.com, 20 Jan. 2023
The project consists of 10 duplex-style homes of 1,300 square feet apiece, with three bedrooms, attached two-car garages and private yards.
—Joe Tash, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Dec. 2022
Verb
Also part of the kit are a lightweight battery, a duplexing antenna that allows both data transmission and wireless power charging, and sensors, none more than 6 millimeters in diameter.
—IEEE Spectrum, 14 Jan. 2024
Noun
The unit is located on the lower level of a duplex with access to a private backyard that sits beside a quiet creek.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2024
Her body was found days later near a vacant duplex.
—CBS News, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for duplex
Dictionary Entries Near duplex
Cite this Entry
“Duplex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duplex. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
duplex
1 of 2 adjective
du·plex
ˈd(y)ü-ˌpleks
1
: being or consisting of two parts : twofold
2
: allowing communication at a distance (as by telephone or television) in opposite directions at the same time
duplex
2 of 2 noun
: something duplex: as
a
: a two-family house
b
: an apartment with rooms on two floors
Medical Definition
duplex
noun
du·plex
ˈd(y)ü-ˌpleks
: a molecule having two complementary polynucleotide strands of DNA or of DNA and RNA
duplex
adjective
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