adjective
adverb
Etymology
Origin of one-time
First recorded in 1880–85
Explanation
Use the adjective one-time to mean "long ago" or "former." For example, a one-time movie star was famous in the past, but might not be recognized today. A one-time chess champion might have won competitions years and years ago. A one-time international spy may have had exciting adventures in her youth, although today she could very well be an unassuming elderly lady. The one-time star of a basketball team isn't anymore, and a one-time dog owner might have switched to keeping cats instead.
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.
Pettersson gave Pittsburgh a 3-0 lead just 55 seconds later on a one-time setup from Malkin from in close.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 29, 2022
You have to go through a one-time setup process.
From The Verge • Mar. 9, 2022
SB 648 would set the leasing fees from $100 to $850 per year with a one-time setup fee of $250 for any city that receives a small cellphone tower.
From Washington Times • Jul. 21, 2017
"It's a one-time setup process" that can be run on auto-pilot, says Kevin Gates.
From BusinessWeek • Feb. 11, 2010
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.
