one-shot
Americannoun
-
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.
-
a single appearance by a performer, as in a play, motion picture, or television program.
-
a close-up camera shot of one person.
-
something occurring, done, used, etc., only once.
adjective
-
occurring, done, etc., only once.
-
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
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
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
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.
