one by one

phrase

: separately in a series : one at a time : first one and then another one, etc.
I solved the problems one by one.
The performers took the stage one by one.

Examples of one by one 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.
Immigration judges traditionally take cases one by one from dockets of a few dozen, explaining the cases against people. — Cameron Pugh, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Aug. 2026 Ferdin points toward the census line where there is a group of Mercyenforcers evaluating people one by one. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 My father had left academic medicine to open a solo surgical practice, and billing meant someone had to sit in front of a typewriter and create claims one by one. — Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The young men pack into a small classroom in West Town, stand in a circle and, one by one, pass a ball from person to person. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for one by one

Rhymes for one by one

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Browse Nearby Words

one-berry
one by one
one can't argue with
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Cite this Entry

“One by one.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one%20by%20one. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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