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

He was arrested three days before he, his spouse and a third unnamed family member were set to depart on a one-way flight to Saudi Arabia via Istanbul. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026

When Jackson Boulevard was made one-way eastbound in 1955, the Chicago path of Route 66 was split between that street and Adams Street a block to the north, starting and ending near the Art Institute of Chicago at Michigan Avenue. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Internationally, Tampa International Airport (TPA) picks up flights to Santo Domingo’s Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) starting June 18, with one-way fares from $149. — Chris Dong, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2026

Bain’s report offers its own illustration of the one-way pattern. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 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