one-night stand
Americannoun
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a single performance in one locale, as by a touring theatrical company, before moving on to the next engagement.
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a place where such a performance is given.
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Slang.
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a single, unrepeated sexual encounter, as one lasting for just one night.
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a participant in such an encounter.
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noun
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a performance given only once at any one place
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informal
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a sexual encounter lasting only one evening or night
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For four seasons, the actress appeared as "Maw Maw" Thompson, great-grandmother to Jimmy, who becomes a single father after his baby's mother, with whom he had a one night stand, is sentenced to death.
From Fox News • Jan. 27, 2021
Mr Merriman denies the one night stand but accepts he went to Mr Carter's house because he had missed the last train.
From BBC • Feb. 5, 2016
In Knocked Up, anyone who suggests that the 22-year-old protagonist could have an abortion after an awkward one night stand is derided as heartless.
From The Guardian • Aug. 22, 2014
Q. Secret Pregnancy: A friend of mine is pregnant as a result of a one night stand with an acquaintance.
From Slate • Oct. 3, 2011
"Listen, Buddy," said the Triangle stage hand, with a deprecatory gesture, "this here shooting gallery is just a one night stand for Us."
From Time Magazine Archive
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
