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
Rose, 45, was aiming to become the oldest first-time Masters champion and looked to be creating his own fairytale story when he moved into a one-shot lead midway through his final round.
From BBC ● Apr. 12, 2026
Former Masters champion Patrick Reed powered into a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Dubai Desert Classic on Friday with a bogey-free 66.
From Barron's ● Jan. 23, 2026
It seemed incredibly challenging — it’s basically a one-shot.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 29, 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.
