one-shot

[wuhn-shot]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of one-shot¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

“And that’s really critical to making a one-shot feel like it is part of the language of the show and not a gimmick. For the audience, it acts as a remedy for our terrible attention spans by not cutting.”

From Los Angeles Times

Scottie Scheffler battled the worst of the torrential downpours that battered Royal Portrush to shoot a commanding 64 and open a one-shot lead over Matt Fitzpatrick at the halfway stage of The Open.

From BBC

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

After 41 top-10 finishes, Fleetwood finally looked to be on course to claim his maiden PGA Tour title as he held a two-shot lead with three holes to play and a one-shot advantage going into the final hole.

From BBC

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

Related Words

• alone