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
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.
Community was reflected in his use of social media, not just as a place to have a one-way conversation or as a place for announcements, but to really engage with people in a way that was pretty unusual for a designer. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 30 June 2025 Innovative leaders create consistent communication loops instead of one-way messages: Set clear expectations for what information will be shared, how often, and in what format. Dr. Cynthia J. Young, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 Jeffrey Booth of the Stamford Police Department, the BMW driver got off Spring Street and went the wrong way onto Summer Street, which is a one-way road for southbound traffic. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2025 By removing Coyle and Wood from the cap ledger, the Avalanche now has $9.725 million in space with 10 forwards, four defensemen and two goaltenders signed to one-way contracts. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for one-way

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-way was in 1824

Cite this Entry

“One-way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-way. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

one-way

adjective
1
: moving or allowing movement in one direction only
2

More from Merriam-Webster on one-way

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