one-night stand
Americannoun
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a single performance in one locale, as by a touring theatrical company, before moving on to the next engagement.
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a place where such a performance is given.
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Slang.
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a single, unrepeated sexual encounter, as one lasting for just one night.
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a participant in such an encounter.
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noun
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a performance given only once at any one place
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informal
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a sexual encounter lasting only one evening or night
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a person regarded as being only suitable for such an encounter
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Etymology
Origin of one-night stand
one-night stand def. 1 is an Americanism dating back to 1875–80; one-night stand def. 3 was first recorded in 1935–40.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Versus the will they or won’t they attempt anything forever or it’s a one-night stand and so and so overheard this and there’s a misunderstanding.
From Los Angeles Times
And, as is its wont, survival swiftly turns ruthless: Hawk plants Tim in McCarthy’s office as a reluctant double agent, and hands over the name of a one-night stand to protect a colleague under threat.
From Los Angeles Times
Although raised by a conventional Jewish couple in Armonk, north of New York City, Naomi was the product of a one-night stand between her mother and a Black scientist.
From Washington Post
To pay homage to their lengthy one-night stand that turned into a lifelong commitment, Ms. Lopez surprised Mr. Rogers with a custom flag to hang on the mobile minibar and later at home.
From New York Times
Dear Amy: "Heartbroken Husband" reported that his wife was engaging in "increasingly risky behavior," including a one-night stand with a stranger.
From Washington Post
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
