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.
Liu began the day with a one-shot lead over another sophomore, Cathedral’s Oliver Mayson. Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025 The British series from creators Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne employs the same one-shot style over the course of the four, edge-of-your-seat episodes — a technique that’s become somewhat of a calling card for Adolescence director Philip Barantini, working with cinematographer Matthew Lewis. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 19 May 2025 Caverns & Forests hosts intermediate D&D campaigns, too, as well as one-shot adventures, which is a campaign that is designed to be played in one evening. Remington Miller, Arkansas Online, 16 May 2025 Eastman and Laird created a comic based on four mutant turtles that possess keen martial arts abilities, which was meant to be a one-shot, but ended up becoming a phenomenon. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 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 28 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!