onetime

1 of 2

adjective

one·​time ˈwən-ˈtīm How to pronounce onetime (audio)
1
: former, sometime
a onetime actor
2
: occurring only once : one-shot

onetime

2 of 2

adverb

Examples of onetime in a Sentence

Adjective a onetime actor now turned singer with any luck, that was a onetime mistake Adverb an athlete who onetime competed in marathons on a regular basis
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.
Adjective
Ed Williams, the onetime broadcasting teacher who portrayed Ted Olson, the earnest lab scientist with a pocket protector and a kinky side, on the Police Squad! Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025 Pic follows Julian Sklar (Ian McKellen), a onetime star of London’s 1960’s and 70’s pop art explosion, who hasn’t painted in decades and has been broke for years. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
Adverb
Find it: Level one, Bloomingdale’s wing A onetime larger chain with only a few spots still in operation, this one at South Coast Plaza offers comfy fare including chicken pot pie, Southwest chicken egg rolls, steaks, burgers and salads.. Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025 In wealthy Medellin, hawkers have transformed onetime local drug lord Pablo Escobar into a mascot for touristic trinkets. Ladan Anoushfar, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for onetime

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onetime was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Onetime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onetime. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

onetime

adjective
one·​time
ˈwən-ˌtīm
1
: former sense 1
a onetime boxing champion
2
: happening only once
a onetime event

More from Merriam-Webster on onetime

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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