noun

one-night stand

wun-nyt STAND

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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.”

noun

informal A single sexual encounter with someone, with no intention on either side of seeing each other again.

"They met at a wedding and it was only ever meant to be a one-night stand."

"He insists he does not do one-night stands."

A single performance given by a touring act in one town before moving on.

"The band spent the autumn playing one-night stands across the Midwest."

How to use one-night stand

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSleeping with someone once, with no plan to do it again.

When to use it

Informal but not vulgar; acceptable in general conversation and journalism.

Memory tip

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 ↓

Easily confused with

hook-up → friends with benefits fling → situationship

Common pairings

just a one-night stand have a one-night stand regret a one-night stand

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “one-night stand” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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casual hook-up fling hook-up

Antonyms

relationship long-term partner

Related words

go relationship offer pass throw cast crack affair

Rhymes for one-night stand

nightstand

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.

What is the meaning of 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.

What is another word for one-night stand?

Other words for "one-night stand" include casual hook-up, fling, hook-up.

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go relationship offer pass throw cast crack affair