1. (of a verb) taking two objects, typically a direct object and an indirect object.
Usage: linguistics term; common in grammar instruction

Examples

• The verb 'give' is ditransitive because it can take both a direct object and an indirect object.
• In the sentence 'She gave him a book,' 'gave' is a ditransitive verb with 'him' as the indirect object and 'book' as the direct object.
• Ditransitive verbs like 'send' and 'tell' require two objects to complete their meaning.
• The sentence 'I showed Mary the photograph' contains a ditransitive verb.
• Not all verbs are ditransitive; some verbs can only take one object.