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

See, the way my thighs are set up, running long distance in a pair of shorty shorts would just mean punching a one-way ticket to Chafe-town. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Swarm Defense Technologies has received an order from the US Department of War for 4,000 Kiwi one-way attack drones, with a minimum value of $25 million including munitions. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026

If the experience feels one-way, the format’s core value isn’t there, and a standard product page is probably a better bet. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Finally, the Department of Development and Storm Water Management announced a stretch of Furnessville Road will become one-way as part of the Marquette Greenway extension project. — Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 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