one-liner

noun

one-lin·​er ˌwən-ˈlī-nər 

1

: a very succinct joke or witticism

2

: a succinct or meaningful and especially accurate statement

Synonyms

• joke
• laugh
• joking
• witticism

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

In keeping with the Housewives brand, there are quotable one-liners from the array of constant arguments. —Scott Bryan, Variety, 17 Aug. 2025

Williams was the king of the one-liners, hurling insults that made headlines and made Cunningham fume. —Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025

And Mike Nappi is a hoot as Beau’s brother Peanut, who’s something like one of Shakespeare’s wise fool, spinning out truth-telling one-liners all night long. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025

Harry's sense of humor and ability to give zesty one-liners connect him with the Mercurial sign, which has a flair for sarcasm, pranks, jokes and communication. —Lisa Stardust, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for one-liner

• airliner
• combiner
• designer
• diviner
• eyeliner
• headliner
• pulvinar
• recliner
• refiner
• diner
• finer
• liner