1
: pairing each element of a set uniquely with an element of another set
2

Examples of one-to-one in a Sentence

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.
Some are slim and laced, almost one-to-one swaps for ballet flats, and are versatile enough to wear with everything from romantic dresses to linen pants. Aemilia Madden, Glamour, 18 June 2026 There is no one-to-one correlation on these things, but those organizations being among the leaders in those categories does raise questions. Eno Sarris, New York Times, 4 June 2026 The Aries Moon conjoins Saturn, making one-to-one dynamics more serious. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 June 2026 Later, the Moon trines Mercury in Cancer, helping one-to-one conversations settle the confusion. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for one-to-one

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-to-one was in 1873

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Cite this Entry

“One-to-one.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-to-one. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

one-to-one

adjective
ˌwən-tə-ˈwən
: pairing each element of a set with one and only one element of another set
a one-to-one correspondence between the real numbers and the points on a straight line
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