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.
At Marklund, about 50 students and staff played games outside with residents, something that normally wouldn’t be possible since each resident needs one-on-one attention. — Rick West, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Expand one-on-one telecounseling with licensed mental health professionals for rural Arkansans with substance-use and mental health needs. — Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026 The women received jewelry totaling more than $1,000, designer purses, guns, shoes, flowers, a laptop and cellphone, as well as vacations, tickets to performances, and one-on-one dinners. — ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026 Its trine to Chiron in your 7th House of Partnership can soften a one-on-one tension inside a larger plan. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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