1
: that is complete or effective through being done or used or applied only once
there is no easy one-shot answer to the problem
2
: that is not followed by something else of the same kind
a one-shot tax cut
one-shot noun

Examples of one-shot in a Sentence

this offer is a one-shot deal; if you refuse, you won't get another chance
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.
Then Green Mountain drew a one-shot foul at the other end, and Ben Shungu made the free throw. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 22 July 2025 Nothing stopped the world’s No. 1 player on his way to a 7-under 64 to build a one-shot lead going into the weekend. Doug Ferguson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2025 Reese and center Kamilla Cardoso were forced into post-only roles, leading to empty possessions, one-shot trips and child’s play for opposing defenses. Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025 Co-creator Jack Thorne is up for Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, while one-shot helmer Philip Barantini has the same in directing. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for one-shot

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-shot was in 1907

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“One-shot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-shot. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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