onetime

1 of 2

adjective

one·​time ˈwən-ˈtīm 

1

: former, sometime

a onetime actor

2

: occurring only once : one-shot

onetime

2 of 2

adverb

: formerly

Synonyms of onetime

Adjective

• occasional

Adverb

• formerly
• once

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

Adjective

Johnson, a onetime Democrat who switched to the Republican Party in 2023, explicitly called out California and New York in an interview with NPR. — Maria Aspan, NPR, 4 Aug. 2026

Regardless, there have still been some high-profile departures this term, including former Attorney General Pam Bondi and onetime Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, both of whom attributed their leaving the administration to cancer. — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 4 Aug. 2026

Adverb

Her assistant coaches, including former All-Star Sugar Rodgers, onetime Idaho standout Landon Tatum and team personnel Daisy Feder, Boki Wang and Kenny Wolfe, all far more talented than us, took it just as seriously. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 19 May 2026

The internet’s onetime lovably messy provocateur has indeed turned over a new leaf, personally and professionally, and entered her Brand Safe era. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for onetime

• aforetime
• allozyme
• anytime
• christmastime
• cybercrime
• dinnertime
• guggenheim
• isozyme
• lysozyme
• maritime
• mesenchyme
• overtime

Kids Definition

onetime

adjective

one·​time

ˈwən-ˌtīm

1

: former sense 1

a onetime boxing champion

2

: happening only once

a onetime event