one-two

noun

ˈwən-ˈtü How to pronounce one-two (audio)
-ˌtü
Synonyms of one-twonext
1
: a combination of two quick blows in rapid succession in boxing
especially : a left jab followed at once by a hard blow with the right hand
2
or one-two punch : two forces combining to produce a marked effect

Examples of one-two in a Sentence

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.
Milwaukee reliever Grant Anderson threw a one-two-three seventh and got the first out of the eighth, Abner Uribe retired two batters in the eighth, and closer Trevor Megill retired the side in order with a strikeout in the ninth. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026 Finding a dominant one-two punch at center is every NHL team’s dream. — Harman Dayal, New York Times, 28 July 2026 The one-two punch of White Nights and the following year’s Big Deal on Madonna Street cemented him as one of the country’s great leading men; La Dolce Vita wasn’t far behind. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 July 2026 But until the one-two of The Good Place and Barry ignited her career less than a decade ago, Carden spent a lot of time watching the people around her get their big break. — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for one-two

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-two was in 1809

Rhymes for one-two

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Browse Nearby Words

one-trick pony
one-two
one-up
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“One-two.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-two. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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