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 of one-liner

• joke
• laugh
• joking

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

Then by hooking the alien up to a computer, which translates his thoughts into one-liners that, within half an hour, are adorable enough to be sitcom-worthy. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Mar. 2026

The Hollywood parody has one-liners and sight gags for days with every bit zanier and more elaborate than the one before. —Rachel Simon, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026

The deceptively low-key humor of Demetri Martin was once labeled nerdy or alternative, given his smart one-liners, on-stage drawings and overall subtly. —John Wenzel, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026

Embry remembers going a little too dramatic with one of his one-liners, only for Williamson to reel him back. —Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Mar. 2026

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