one-liner

noun

one-lin·​er ˌwən-ˈlī-nər How to pronounce one-liner (audio)
Synonyms of one-linernext
1
: a very succinct joke or witticism
2
: a succinct or meaningful and especially accurate statement

Examples of one-liner in a Sentence

the senator deftly inserted some smart one-liners into an otherwise sober speech
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.
With grit and one-liners, this American hero navigates air vents and glass shards to save the day. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Woollen gets off some crisp one-liners. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 The women are seen reenacting their iconic one-liners from their most dramatic moments on the shows, right before the trailer gives a sneak peek into the tension and drama that will unfold on their trip. Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026 This Father's Day, break out these silly (and slightly cringe-y) one-liners, puns, riddles, and jokes. Jamie Fischer, Parents, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for one-liner

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-liner was in 1962

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“One-liner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-liner. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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