one-liner

noun

one-lin·​er ˌwən-ˈlī-nər How to pronounce one-liner (audio)
1
: a very succinct joke or witticism
2
: a succinct or meaningful and especially accurate statement

Examples of one-liner in a Sentence

the senator deftly inserted some smart one-liners into an otherwise sober speech
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.
Both women have found cult-like internet fame for their quippy one-liners and no-nonsense takes. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025 That was when the broadcast picked up Hurley’s epic one-liner. Paulina Dedaj, Fox News, 22 Jan. 2025 The elder Richards was an outspoken feminist who was given to salty one-liners, and who was open about her struggle with alcoholism and her disdain for phoniness, even in her own party. Jonathan Van Meter, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2025 The comedian and political host incised the D.C. affair with one-liners aimed at those in attendance (from their fashion choices to their general decision to show up at all), X owner Elon Musk’s odd/potentially terrifying salute and outgoing POTUS Joe Biden’s down-to-the-wire blanket pardon. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for one-liner 

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-liner was in 1962

Dictionary Entries Near one-liner

Cite this Entry

“One-liner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-liner. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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