one-night stand

American  

[wuhn-nahyt stand] / ˈwʌnˌnaɪt ˈstænd /

noun

1. a single performance in one locale, as by a touring theatrical company, before moving on to the next engagement.

2. a place where such a performance is given.

3. Slang.

   1. a single, unrepeated sexual encounter, as one lasting for just one night.

   2. a participant in such an encounter.

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one-night stand British  

noun

1. a performance given only once at any one place

2. informal

   1. a sexual encounter lasting only one evening or night

   2. a person regarded as being only suitable for such an encounter

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Etymology

Origin of one-night stand

one-night stand def. 1 is an Americanism dating back to 1875–80; one-night stand def. 3 was first recorded in 1935–40.

Example Sentences

They even elicited testimony from Keith Davidson, Stormy Daniels’ lawyer, that Cohen had promised to “rain legal hell on” her if she ever told the story of her one-night stand with Trump.

From Slate • May 8, 2024

And, as is its wont, survival swiftly turns ruthless: Hawk plants Tim in McCarthy’s office as a reluctant double agent, and hands over the name of a one-night stand to protect a colleague under threat.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 10, 2023

To pay homage to their lengthy one-night stand that turned into a lifelong commitment, Ms. Lopez surprised Mr. Rogers with a custom flag to hang on the mobile minibar and later at home.

From New York Times • Jul. 9, 2021

It’s also vaguely annoying that she is made to suffer from a one-night stand by having a man, no matter how attractive, live on inside her head, constantly talking and interrupting her train of thought.

From Washington Post • Nov. 24, 2020

It was a theatrical company that had played a one-night stand at the local opera-house the evening before, and was now once more upon its wandering way.

From October Vagabonds by Le Gallienne, Richard