one-shot

American  

[wuhn-shot] / ˈwʌnˌʃɒt /

noun

1. 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.

2. a single appearance by a performer, as in a play, motion picture, or television program.

3. a close-up camera shot of one person.

4. something occurring, done, used, etc., only once.

---

adjective

1. occurring, done, etc., only once.

2. achieved or accomplished with a single try.

   a one-shot solution.

Etymology

Origin of one-shot

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

McIlroy briefly reclaimed a one-shot lead but gave that back with a bogey on 17, bending over in exasperation when he left a par putt just short.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

For drivers, we had gen AI, one-shot models, reasoning, moving to agentic autonomous agents, and physical AI.

From Barron's • Oct. 8, 2025

Once the most feared puncher in the division and perhaps the greatest one-shot finisher of all time, the old Wilder would likely have dispatched Herndon earlier and to more fanfare.

From BBC • Jun. 28, 2025

America's Sam Burns will take a one-shot lead into Sunday's final round of the US Open after a terrific finish to the third round at Oakmont.

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2025

Knowing this was my one-shot ticket out of Jankburg, Pennsylvania.

From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle

Related Words

• alone