one-shot

[wuhn-shot]

See more synonyms for one-shot on Thesaurus.com

noun Also one shot.

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.

Origin of one-shot

First recorded in 1905–10

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for one-shot

then, already, formerly, heretofore, once, hitherto, antecedently, ahead, ante, back, before, beforehand, erstwhile, fore, forward, one-shot

Examples from the Web for one-shot

Contemporary Examples of one-shot

One-shot holiday needs can also lead to yearlong sustainable relationships.
One of a Kind Gifts Are Only a Neighbor Away
Lawrence Ferber
December 8, 2014
Each one speaks alone and directly to the camera, shown exclusively in a one-shot.
Naftali Bennett Wants You!
Don Futterman
December 25, 2012
I am going to sit down with a lawyer to go over my case and the application, since this is only a one-shot deal.
Letters From DREAMers: Young Immigrants Hope for Deferred Action
Sam Schlinkert
August 18, 2012
Sanctions and saber-rattling alone were never going to do the trick, nor would periodic efforts at one-shot diplomacy.
Don't Prove Walt and Mearsheimer Right
Lara Friedman
March 15, 2012
Even worse, the stimulus legislation, predictably, proved to be a one-shot wonder.
America's Investment Crisis
Jeffrey Sachs
October 7, 2010

Historical Examples of one-shot

On a one-shot gamble of this kind, the 'laws' of chance are no good at all.
One-Shot
James Benjamin Blish
It was only when he opened his mouth that One-Shot Braun was in the suit with him.
One-Shot
James Benjamin Blish
Your intuition for the one-shot gamble was the one thing that bailed us out this time.
One-Shot
James Benjamin Blish
Then comes the third before mentioned, which is a one-shot hole.
The Golf Courses of the British Isles
Bernard Darwin
Twenty-five thousand bucks would get you one nice spread in the Post, but what kind of a one-shot campaign would that be?
Breeder Reaction
Winston Marks

Word Origin and History for one-shot

adj.

1907, "achieved in a single attempt" (original reference is to golf), from one + shot (n.). Meaning "happening or of use only once" is from 1937.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper