one-night stand
One-night stand (noun) means a single sexual encounter with someone, with no intention on either side of seeing each other again. Example: “They met at a wedding and it was only ever meant to be a one-night stand.”
How to Use One-night stand
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSleeping with someone once, with no plan to do it again.
Informal but not vulgar; acceptable in general conversation and journalism.
The phrase describes the encounter, not the person; you do not call someone 'a one-night stand' to their face without offence.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
They met at a wedding and it was only ever meant to be a _____.
Etymology
Originally theatrical, describing a show booked into a venue for a single night; the sexual sense developed from that image of a single engagement.
Synonyms
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Related Words
Rhymes for one-night stand
See all rhymes for one-night stand →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a one-night stand and a hook-up?
A hook-up is any casual sexual encounter and may repeat with the same person. A one-night stand is specifically a single occasion with someone you do not expect to sleep with again, and often someone you have only just met.
Is one-night stand hyphenated?
Yes, the usual written form is one-night stand, with a hyphen between one and night because they work together as a single modifier. The plural is one-night stands.