one-on-one

adjective or adverb

ˌwən-ȯn-ˈwən How to pronounce one-on-one (audio)
ˌwən-än-
1
: playing directly against a single opposing player
2
: involving a direct encounter between one person and another

Examples of one-on-one in a Sentence

bragged that no one could go one-on-one with her in a game of darts and win
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 the Pacers leading by two points with just under four minutes to play, Haliburton uncharacteristically went one-on-one against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander early in the shot clock. James Boyd, New York Times, 14 June 2025 Date nights and one-on-one time have helped Haven and Aaron be more receptive to each other’s needs when sharing the responsibilities for their family. Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 13 June 2025 In 2018 a study published in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science found just 15 minutes of one-on-one petting was enough to provide a measurable boost to the wellbeing of a shelter dog. Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025 The center provides local entrepreneurs in Sacramento the opportunities to receive one-on-one consultations, up to $5,000 in microgrant funding and $2,500 in city fee credits to grow their small businesses and bolster the economy. Olivia Cyrus, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for one-on-one

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-on-one was in 1940

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Cite this Entry

“One-on-one.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-on-one. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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