one-shot

American  

[wuhn-shot] / ˈwʌnˌʃɒt /

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.

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adjective

1. occurring, done, etc., only once.

2. achieved or accomplished with a single try.

   a one-shot solution.

Etymology

Origin of one-shot

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

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

It seemed incredibly challenging — it’s basically a one-shot.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2025

Of course, that hasn’t stopped Stephen Graham, whose new Netflix series “Adolescence” premiering Thursday features four one-shot episodes — a masterful feat that lends itself to the taut, emotionally-complex storytelling.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2025

“It’s not like the tides just hit Wednesday night, like one of those tsunamis, one-shot deal. • • Tides are twice a day, every day. Full moons will really be killers.”

From "The Dead and the Gone" by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Related Words

• alone