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

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
But now the onetime insurgent sits atop a sprawling establishment. — Jesse Bedayn, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026 The spat is not the first time Khanna has run into headwinds with his onetime allies in Silicon Valley. — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 22 June 2026
Adverb
The score from The Princess Bride swelled as Reiner’s onetime (or sometimes multiple-time) actors turned to face him and pay their final respects. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2026 Some of the clips show onetime Orbán loyalists venting dissatisfaction with the government. — Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 10 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

See All Rhymes for onetime

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 10 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on onetime

Nglish: Translation of onetime for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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