one

/wən/

/wən/

Other forms: ones; onely

One refers to a single person or thing, as well as the number one. If you’re looking for a whole number between zero and two, you can only find one.

One is all alone, but it at least it gets to be the first in line. It also gets to be the one and only, far and away the best, and one of a kind. If something (or someone) is "the one" you’ve been looking for, it’s exactly what you want. Sometimes one actually refers to more than one person being united in some way; if you and your friend are of "one mind," you think alike about something.

Definitions of one

1. noun

   the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
   “he has the one but will need a two and three to go with it”

   “they had lunch at one”

   synonyms: 1, I, ace, single, unity

   types:

   monad, monas

   a singular metaphysical entity from which material properties are said to derive

   singleton

   a single object (as distinguished from a pair)

   fellow, mate

   one of a pair

   type of:

   digit, figure

   one of the elements that collectively form a system of numeration
2. noun

   a single person or thing
   “he is the best one”

   “this is the one I ordered”

   type of:

   unit

   a single undivided whole
3. adjective

   used of a single unit or thing; not two or more
   synonyms: 1, ane, i

   cardinal

   being or denoting a numerical quantity but not order
4. adjective

   having the indivisible character of a unit
   “spoke with one voice”

   synonyms: unitary

   united

   characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity
5. adjective

   of the same kind or quality
   “two animals of one species”

   synonyms:

   same

   closely similar or comparable in kind or quality or quantity or degree
6. adjective

   being a single entity made by combining separate components
   “three chemicals combining into one solution”

   synonyms:

   combined

   made or joined or united into one
7. adjective

   used informally as an intensifier
   “that is one fine dog”

   synonyms:

   extraordinary

   beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable
8. adjective

   eminent beyond or above comparison
   “she's one girl in a million”

   “the one and only Muhammad Ali”

   synonyms: matchless, nonpareil, one and only, peerless, unmatchable, unmatched, unrivaled, unrivalled

   incomparable, uncomparable

   such that comparison is impossible; unsuitable for comparison or lacking features that can be compared
9. adjective

   indefinite in time or position
   “he will come one day”

   “one place or another”

   synonyms:

   indefinite

   vague or not clearly defined or stated