Biweekly vs Bimonthly

TLDR: Biweekly can mean either twice a week or once every two weeks. Similarly, bimonthly can mean either twice a month or once every two months.

What Does Biweekly Mean?

Biweekly means once every two weeks. It refers to something that happens every other week or twice a month.

Examples:

We have biweekly meetings on Wednesdays. (The meetings happen once every two weeks.)
She gets paid biweekly, so she receives a paycheck every two weeks.

Term	Frequency	Example
Biweekly	Once every two weeks	He receives his paycheck biweekly.

What Does Bimonthly Mean?

Bimonthly can be tricky because it can have two meanings, depending on the context:

Once every two months.
Twice a month (this is less common, but some people use it this way).

Because of this dual meaning, it’s important to clarify what you mean when using "bimonthly."

Examples:

We have a bimonthly magazine subscription, so we get it once every two months. (Once every two months)
The board meets bimonthly to discuss important matters. (Twice a month—though it’s better to clarify for accuracy).

Term	Frequency	Example
Bimonthly	Once every two months / Twice a month	I get a bimonthly report from the bank.

Key Differences Between Biweekly and Bimonthly

Term	Primary Meaning	Additional Meaning (rare)	Example
Biweekly	Every two weeks	–	I get paid biweekly.
Bimonthly	Every two months	Twice a month (sometimes used this way)	The event is held bimonthly.

How to Avoid Confusion

Because "bimonthly" can mean either twice a month or once every two months, it's a good idea to be clear when using the term. If you mean twice a month, it's often better to say "twice a month" to avoid confusion. Similarly, if you mean once every two months, say that instead.

Quick Tips:

Biweekly = Every two weeks.
Bimonthly = Every two months (or sometimes twice a month—so clarify when necessary).

Common Errors

Confusing biweekly with twice a week:

Incorrect: I have biweekly classes on Mondays and Fridays. (This would mean every two weeks.)
Correct: I have twice-weekly classes on Mondays and Fridays.

Misusing bimonthly for twice a month without clarification:

Incorrect: Our newsletter is bimonthly (but you mean twice a month).
Correct: Our newsletter is sent twice a month.

Assuming bimonthly always means twice a month:

Incorrect: We publish a bimonthly journal, but it comes out every two months.
Correct: We publish a journal once every two months.

Everyday Use

Biweekly: This is most often used to describe something that happens every other week, like a paycheck or a meeting.

Example: We have biweekly team meetings.

Bimonthly: This term can be more confusing, so it's better to use it for something that happens every two months or be specific.

Example: The magazine is published bimonthly (every two months).

FAQ

Does biweekly mean twice a week or every two weeks?

Biweekly means every two weeks. Twice a week is referred to as "twice a week" or "semiweekly."

Can bimonthly mean both twice a month and once every two months?

Yes, bimonthly can mean both twice a month or once every two months, so it’s important to clarify what you mean.

How do I avoid confusion with bimonthly?

To avoid confusion, it’s better to say "twice a month" or "once every two months" instead of using "bimonthly."

Is biweekly the same as fortnightly?

Yes, biweekly and fortnightly both mean every two weeks. "Fortnightly" is more common in British English.

What’s the difference between biweekly and semiweekly?

Biweekly means every two weeks, while semiweekly means twice a week.

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