one-on-one

adjective or adverb

ˌwən-ȯn-ˈwən How to pronounce one-on-one (audio)
ˌwən-än-
Synonyms of one-on-onenext
1
: playing directly against a single opposing player
2
: involving a direct encounter between one person and another

Synonyms of one-on-one

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Examples of one-on-one in a Sentence

bragged that no one could go one-on-one with her in a game of darts and win
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With the game tied, the Valkyries set Williams up to go one-on-one with Howard at the top of the key. — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 27 June 2026 Messi got at the end of a through ball in the box, was one-on-one with Vozinha, and the keeper blocked the legend’s shot with his mid-section. — Miami Herald, 4 July 2026 In the second half, Haaland almost had a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper, but the ball sailed too far ahead of him. — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026 One of its key features is its focus on individualization and one-on-one instruction, rather than traditional group lessons. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for one-on-one

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-on-one was in 1940

Rhymes for one-on-one

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Browse Nearby Words

one-one
one-on-one
one or the other
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Cite this Entry

“One-on-one.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-on-one. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on one-on-one

Nglish: Translation of one-on-one for Spanish Speakers

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