1
: pairing each element of a set uniquely with an element of another set
2

Examples of one-to-one in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Although not a one-to-one comparison, some of his runs give flashbacks of Nick Chubb because of his contact balance. Dane Brugler, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Which then prompts the question of what type of discipline York could face, to which there is no one-to-one comparison. Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026 Several months ago, the district launched a guiding coalition that included administrators and more than 100 teachers to examine its one-to-one device model, which ensures every student has a computer. Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 21 Aug. 2026 In the studio, while setting up a model for the piece using real weights and real jerseys and making a one-to-one maquette, a couple of things happened. Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for one-to-one

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-to-one was in 1873

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Cite this Entry

“One-to-one.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-to-one. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

one-to-one

adjective
ˌwən-tə-ˈwən
: pairing each element of a set with one and only one element of another set
a one-to-one correspondence between the real numbers and the points on a straight line
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