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

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

Jess is adamant that the daughter Sam fathered with her, the result of their one-night stand, is meant to be the island's true leader, its Mother.

From Salon • Oct. 20, 2020

He preached at a little one-night stand of a Methodist church.

From The Voice of the City: Further Stories of the Four Million by Henry, O.