one-on-one
adjective or adverb
ˌwən-ȯn-ˈwən 
ˌwən-än-
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
Before that, the consultants, Raftelis and the Center for Public Safety Management, will meet with each of Pompano’s five commissioners plus the mayor for one-on-one reviews.
—
Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
Enticing as that part may be, this showdown isn’t about the one-on-one for KU (or BYU, for that matter).
—Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2026
The Illini, for example, were the first Big Ten team to defend UCLA’s post players one-on-one.
—Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 31 Jan. 2026
Examiners grill candidates in a grueling one-on-one oral test.
—Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for one-on-one
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Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
Enticing as that part may be, this showdown isn’t about the one-on-one for KU (or BYU, for that matter).
—Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2026
The Illini, for example, were the first Big Ten team to defend UCLA’s post players one-on-one.
—Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 31 Jan. 2026
Examiners grill candidates in a grueling one-on-one oral test.
—Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for one-on-one
Cite this Entry
“One-on-one.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-on-one. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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