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
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.
These deals are your one-way ticket to smelling like candy apple, snowflake, vanilla, peppermint goodness 24/7. Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 13 Dec. 2024 Book now at Lufthansa Cut costs big time with Frontier Airlines’ shockingly cheap one-way flight sales Spring sales are in full swing at Frontier Airlines, where travelers can currently snag one-way flights as cheap as $19 between select locations on select dates. Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Dec. 2024 In an affidavit, an FBI agent previously wrote that Banks had been booked that day on separate one-way flights to Switzerland and Dubai. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 12 Dec. 2024 Expert technicians then utilize safe trapping methods, if required for the situation, and can often remove the wildlife with one-way doors. Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for one-way 

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-way was in 1824

Cite this Entry

“One-way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-way. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

one-way

adjective
1
: moving or allowing movement in one direction only
2

More from Merriam-Webster on one-way

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!