one-shot
Americannoun
-
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.
Etymology
Origin of one-shot
First recorded in 1905–10
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.
Former US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick hit a superb, bogey-free 63 to claim a one-shot lead over Viktor Hovland after a punishing second round at the RBC Heritage in South Carolina.
From BBC ● Apr. 18, 2026
Former Masters champion Patrick Reed powered into a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Dubai Desert Classic on Friday with a bogey-free 66.
From Barron's ● Jan. 23, 2026
The 25-year-old started the final round with a one-shot lead and extended her lead to two with her first birdie of the day at the sixth as her playing partner Julia Lopez Ramirez struggled.
From BBC ● Jun. 2, 2025
It seemed incredibly challenging — it’s basically a one-shot.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 29, 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
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.
