one-on-one

adjective or adverb

ˌwən-ȯn-ˈwən How to pronounce one-on-one (audio)
ˌwən-än-
Synonyms of one-on-onenext
1
: playing directly against a single opposing player
2
: involving a direct encounter between one person and another

Examples of one-on-one in a Sentence

bragged that no one could go one-on-one with her in a game of darts and win
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 four-day event featured project presentations and WIP clip screenings, as well as one-on-one project meetings, bridging filmmakers with studios, post-production companies, and distributors. Jenny S. Li, Variety, 17 June 2026 Fatima grins, before rejoining the rest of the girls' team for one-on-one drills. Jasmine Garsd, NPR, 16 June 2026 Any amount of opposition analysis would highlight that trait as something to be wary of and negate, but Summerville has the balance and footwork to beat a player one-on-one regardless, using his strengths to unsettle one side of a defence. Phil Hay, New York Times, 16 June 2026 Behind the scenes, an Israeli source told CNN that Netanyahu is quietly seeking a one-on-one meeting with the US president — something his office has denied. Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for one-on-one

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-on-one was in 1940

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Cite this Entry

“One-on-one.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-on-one. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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