1
: that is complete or effective through being done or used or applied only once
there is no easy one-shot answer to the problem
2
: that is not followed by something else of the same kind
a one-shot tax cut
one-shot noun

Examples of one-shot in a Sentence

this offer is a one-shot deal; if you refuse, you won't get another chance
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.
The last player to hold a one-shot lead through 54 holes at the U.S. Open and win the championship in regulation remains Payne Stewart in 1999 at Pinehurst. 7. Justin Ray, New York Times, 16 June 2025 Playing in his first U.S. Open, Spaun shot a bogey-free 66 to take a one-shot lead heading into Friday. Mike Fore, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025 The one-shot style also played in to how Graham and Thorne, with some help from the latter’s writing assistant Mariella Johnson, penned the series. Peter White, Deadline, 11 June 2025 The Rangers senior has a one-shot advantage over Orono’s Ava Hanneman, Minnetonka’s Selena Wu and Wayzata’s Lauren Chambs. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for one-shot

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-shot was in 1907

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Cite this Entry

“One-shot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-shot. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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