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.
But certain quotes and one-liners stuck out for their candor and insight. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 22 Dec. 2025 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 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

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Cite this Entry

“One-liner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-liner. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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