one-shot
Americannoun
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a magazine, brochure, or the like that is published only one time, with no subsequent issues intended, usually containing articles and photographs devoted to one topical subject.
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a single appearance by a performer, as in a play, motion picture, or television program.
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a close-up camera shot of one person.
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something occurring, done, used, etc., only once.
adjective
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occurring, done, etc., only once.
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achieved or accomplished with a single try.
a one-shot solution.
Etymology
Origin of one-shot
First recorded in 1905–10
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.
Former US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick hit a superb, bogey-free 63 to claim a one-shot lead over Viktor Hovland after a punishing second round at the RBC Heritage in South Carolina.
From BBC ● Apr. 18, 2026
Drawing the most attention in the morning was the threesome of McIlory, third-ranked Tommy Fleetwood and fifth-ranked La Cañada native Collin Morikawa, who was coming off Sunday’s one-shot win at Pebble Beach.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 19, 2026
Ryo Hisatsune rode a back-nine binge to an eight-under par 63 on Friday and a one-shot lead over fellow Japanese Hideki Matsuyama at the US PGA Tour Phoenix Open.
From Barron's ● Feb. 7, 2026
The 25-year-old started the final round with a one-shot lead and extended her lead to two with her first birdie of the day at the sixth as her playing partner Julia Lopez Ramirez struggled.
From BBC ● Jun. 2, 2025
Knowing this was my one-shot ticket out of Jankburg, Pennsylvania.
From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle
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.
