one-way

adjective

ˈwən-ˈwā How to pronounce one-way (audio)
Synonyms of one-waynext
1
: that moves in or allows movement in only one direction
a one-way street
2
: one-sided, unilateral
a one-way conversation
3
: that functions in only one of two or more ways

Examples of one-way in a Sentence

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.
Until things go south, then his head might end up with a one-way ticket to Pike City. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026 The Train de Merveilles runs from Nice to Tende three-times a day and takes around two hours, one-way. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026 That means the event horizon is a one-way barrier for information. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 26 June 2026 In days past, saying that communism was a mistake would have earned the artist a one-way ticket to Siberia. — Literary Hub, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for one-way

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-way was in 1824

Rhymes for one-way

See All Rhymes for one-way

Browse Nearby Words

on everyone's/everybody's lips
one-way
one-way mirror
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“One-way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-way. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

one-way

adjective
1
: moving or allowing movement in one direction only
2
: one-sided sense 1b

More from Merriam-Webster on one-way

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for one-way

Nglish: Translation of one-way for Spanish Speakers

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