one-liner

noun

one-lin·​er ˌwən-ˈlī-nər How to pronounce one-liner (audio)
Synonyms of one-linernext
1
: a very succinct joke or witticism
2
: a succinct or meaningful and especially accurate statement

Examples of one-liner in a Sentence

the senator deftly inserted some smart one-liners into an otherwise sober speech
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.
The wheels are always turning, the subtext is layered with even more questions, and even the one-liners pack a weighty punch. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Dec. 2025 Others kept the joke rolling with quick one-liners of their own. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025 Schwarzenegger delivers his trademark late 80s action and some truly iconic one-liners as Quaid uncovers a corporate conspiracy and battles against an array of villains, including his fake wife. Ian Stokes, Space.com, 26 Nov. 2025 Frank DiPalermo gets some great one-liners as Bernie, the lonely homeowner who dotes on his pampered Pomeranian, Sophia. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for one-liner

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-liner was in 1962

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“One-liner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-liner. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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