one-way

[wuhn-wey]

adjective

1. moving, or allowing movement in one direction only.

   a one-way street.

2. valid for travel in one direction only.

   a one-way ticket.

3. without a reciprocal feeling, responsibility, relationship, etc..

   It's a one-way friendship.

4. not intended for return to a seller, dealer, etc., for reuse; disposable.

   one-way bottles.

one-way

adjective

1. moving or allowing travel in one direction only

   one-way traffic

2. entailing no reciprocal obligation, action, etc

   a one-way agreement

Word History and Origins

Origin of one-way¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

Robert Mugabe Jr, 33, was arrested on Wednesday morning as he drove the wrong way down a one-way street, according to court documents.

From BBC

Since the 'Miracle at Medinah' in 2012, when Europe came from 10-4 down to secure the contest's most recent away win, it has been one-way traffic in favour of the host team.

From BBC

Indian missions in the US issue emergency certificates - a one-way travel document - to Indians of invalid status to enable them to return.

From BBC

Instead it has been one-way traffic, with the Red Roses juggernaut steaming through Scotland again and again.

From BBC

Perched atop four active landslides, its pavement warped and cracked by constant land movement, Last Chance Grade is so unstable that it was reduced to one-way traffic for nine years straight, reopening in October 2023.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fee 
• gift 
• money 
• perk 
• reward