- denoting a relationship or encounter in which someone is involved with only one other person
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
ˈone-ˌon-ˈone,
adj.
adv.
n. [countable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- made up of or involving direct, individual communication or competition;
person-to-person:a one-on-one interview.
adv.
- directly to or with each other:They argued one-on-one.
n. [countable]
- a direct meeting between two persons.
- Idioms, Sport go one-on-one with, [~ + [object][Sports.]to play directly against (an opposing player).
one-on-one
(wun′on wun′, -ôn-),USA pronunciation adj.
adv.
n.
- consisting of or involving direct individual competition, confrontation, or communication;
person-to-person:a one-on-one discussion.
adv.
- in direct encounter:I'd rather settle this with her one-on-one.
- Idioms, Sport go one-on-one with, [Sports.]to play directly against (an opposing player).
n.
- a meeting or confrontation between two persons.
- 1965–70, American.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
one-on-one adj
'one on one' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):