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

Boat shuttles run across the bay from Arcachon to Cap Ferret and take around 30 minutes (a one-way adult ticket is around $12). — Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2026

The Florida flights begin in November, with introductory one-way fares starting at $69 for a limited time. — C. A. Bridges, USA Today, 16 July 2026

In addition to Ranger, the companies are also designing a one-way attack variant known as Strike. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026

Fans’ access to athletes contributes to what is called a parasocial relationship, defined by one-way knowing, said Gayle Stever, a professor at Empire State University who has studied the dynamics between celebrities and fans for decades. — Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 13 July 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