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

Additionally, the cruise line offers round-trip sailings from both Vancouver and Seattle—as well as one-way itineraries between Vancouver and Seward with more time ashore to explore at ports. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026

The federal officer steps in front of the Honda SUV, parked nearly perpendicular across a one-way residential street in Minneapolis, with snow piled up on the curb. —Claire Galofaro, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026

When the studio was sold in 2024, the Henson family donated or bought Kermit a one-way ticket to the Center for Puppetry Arts in Midtown Atlanta. —Brian Unger, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

The house is located in Rico, Colorado, which is a 40-to 45-minute drive one-way on a good day, more than an hour on a bad morning. —Kylea Henseler, Outside, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for one-way

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

Kids Definition

one-way

adjective

1

: moving or allowing movement in one direction only

2

: one-sided sense 1b