adjective
adverb
Etymology
Origin of one-time
First recorded in 1880–85
Explanation
Use the adjective one-time to mean "long ago" or "former." For example, a one-time movie star was famous in the past, but might not be recognized today. A one-time chess champion might have won competitions years and years ago. A one-time international spy may have had exciting adventures in her youth, although today she could very well be an unassuming elderly lady. The one-time star of a basketball team isn't anymore, and a one-time dog owner might have switched to keeping cats instead.
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.
Sometimes it’s for one-time expenses, like an unexpected dental procedure that costs several hundred dollars.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 7, 2026
When an adviser gets paid a one-time commission, there’s a good chance you’ll never see them again after the sale.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 7, 2026
Stripping out certain one-time items, earnings came in at 86 cents a share.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026
Pamela Flick, California program director for Defenders of Wildlife, a co-sponsor of the bill, said advocates asked state leaders for $18 million in one-time funding for the human-wildlife coexistence program, followed by $15 million annually.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 30, 2026
Grace’s face stayed the same and Maya wondered if Grace’s interest in her sense of humor had been a one-time thing.
From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway
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.
