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
Synonyms
Examples of one-on-one in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The moon’s alignment with Venus is perfect for one-on-one catchups.
—
USA TODAY, 7 Apr. 2024
Juices flowing Practice started with a spirited round of one-on-one drills as the rest of the team watched.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2024
On night two, Reigns and Rhodes will go one-on-one for the Universal Championship.
—Shaheem Reid, Variety, 5 Apr. 2024
The report suggests managers identify and address inclusion challenges by making sure workers feel listened to, whether that means one-on-one conversations or third-party feedback portals, as well as clearly communicating the company’s overall DEI objectives and expectations.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2024
Guys don’t have to go create on their own in a one-on-one situation.
—Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 3 Apr. 2024
The couple appeared to enjoy some special one-on-one time with Olympia as the three of them dressed up as pirates.
—Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024
This player would ideally be able to find the soft spots in the zone coverage that the Dolphins often see but also win one-on-one matchups when teams decide to play man coverage.
—Daniel Oyefusi, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2024
Joey and Kelsey, who had their one-on-one date in Ronda, Spain, began the visit by telling the Graziadeis about their journey together.
—Breanne L. Heldman, Peoplemag, 26 Mar. 2024
USA TODAY, 7 Apr. 2024
Juices flowing Practice started with a spirited round of one-on-one drills as the rest of the team watched.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2024
On night two, Reigns and Rhodes will go one-on-one for the Universal Championship.
—Shaheem Reid, Variety, 5 Apr. 2024
The report suggests managers identify and address inclusion challenges by making sure workers feel listened to, whether that means one-on-one conversations or third-party feedback portals, as well as clearly communicating the company’s overall DEI objectives and expectations.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2024
Guys don’t have to go create on their own in a one-on-one situation.
—Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 3 Apr. 2024
The couple appeared to enjoy some special one-on-one time with Olympia as the three of them dressed up as pirates.
—Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024
This player would ideally be able to find the soft spots in the zone coverage that the Dolphins often see but also win one-on-one matchups when teams decide to play man coverage.
—Daniel Oyefusi, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2024
Joey and Kelsey, who had their one-on-one date in Ronda, Spain, began the visit by telling the Graziadeis about their journey together.
—Breanne L. Heldman, Peoplemag, 26 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'one-on-one.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near 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 16 Apr. 2024.
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