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.
The Houthis have used a range of one-way attack drones and antiship ballistic missiles to attack international shipping in the Red Sea, and have even sent missiles toward Tel Aviv, well over a thousand miles away. Raphael S. Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 18 Feb. 2025 The chicken houses had giant fans that created one-way air flow through the barns. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 18 Feb. 2025 Heather’s misstep leads to a one-way angsty screaming match between her and Jim. Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2025 Only flights with an average of 50 or more seats, 200 daily passengers one-way, and two flights per week in either direction were included in the analysis. Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2025 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 23 Feb. 2025.

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!