one-way

adjective

ˈwən-ˈwā 

1

: that moves in or allows movement in only one direction

a one-way street

2

: one-sided, unilateral

a one-way conversation

3

: that functions in only one of two or more ways

Examples of one-way in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If the experience feels one-way, the format’s core value isn’t there, and a standard product page is probably a better bet. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Finally, the Department of Development and Storm Water Management announced a stretch of Furnessville Road will become one-way as part of the Marquette Greenway extension project. — Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026

Lumberjack is Northrop Grumman’s one-way attack drone, designed and developed in just 14 months as a response to the rising use of expendable drones in combat. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026

Machines conduct one-way video interviews and score the responses. — Ranjay Sarda, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for one-way

• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

one-way

adjective

1

: moving or allowing movement in one direction only

2

: one-sided sense 1b