onetime

1 of 2

adjective

one·​time ˈwən-ˈtīm How to pronounce onetime (audio)
Synonyms of onetimenext
1
: former, sometime
a onetime actor
2
: occurring only once : one-shot

onetime

2 of 2

adverb

: formerly

Synonyms of onetime

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Adjective

Adverb

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Examples of onetime in a Sentence

Adjective a onetime actor now turned singer with any luck, that was a onetime mistake Adverb an athlete who onetime competed in marathons on a regular basis
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.
Adjective
Joining Pattinson in the movie is an unlikely team of actors, including onetime NBC head Jeff Zucker, former child star Jonathan Lipnicki, The Office‘s Creed Bratton, and indie-rock star Phoebe Bridgers, in her first acting role. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2026 His lacerating wit spares no member of his staff—a mix of true incompetents, off-putting savants, ticking time bombs, and onetime offenders prematurely consigned to professional purgatory. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
Adverb
Her assistant coaches, including former All-Star Sugar Rodgers, onetime Idaho standout Landon Tatum and team personnel Daisy Feder, Boki Wang and Kenny Wolfe, all far more talented than us, took it just as seriously. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 19 May 2026 The internet’s onetime lovably messy provocateur has indeed turned over a new leaf, personally and professionally, and entered her Brand Safe era. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for onetime

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onetime was in the 14th century

Rhymes for onetime

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Browse Nearby Words

one thing is (for) sure
onetime
one-time pad
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Onetime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onetime. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

onetime

adjective
one·​time
ˈwən-ˌtīm
1
: former sense 1
a onetime boxing champion
2
: happening only once
a onetime event
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