one-way

adjective

ˈwən-ˈwā 

1

: that moves in or allows movement in only one direction

a one-way street

2

: one-sided, unilateral

a one-way conversation

3

: that functions in only one of two or more ways

Examples of one-way in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

So, with just a suitcase and a dream, Diomandé left his home and family in Africa on a one-way journey to the US. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

The tinted windows looked out onto the courts where Richardson trained some of the best young female players in the Rio Grande Valley, but the glass was one-way, and from outside, nothing that happened in the room was visible. — Molly Hensley-Clancy, Washington Post, 20 Aug. 2026

In Denver, that meant figuring out one-way streets and hills, Bonelli said. — Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026

The amount isn’t enough to cover a one-way ticket to Port-au-Prince, which is around $250. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for one-way

• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

one-way

adjective

1

: moving or allowing movement in one direction only

2

: one-sided sense 1b