one-night stand

[ wuhn-nahyt stand ]

noun

1. a single performance in one locale, as by a touring theatrical company, before moving on to the next engagement.
2. a place where such a performance is given.
3. Slang.
   1. a single, unrepeated sexual encounter, as one lasting for just one night.
   2. a participant in such an encounter.

one-night stand

noun

1. a performance given only once at any one place
2. informal.
   1. a sexual encounter lasting only one evening or night
   2. a person regarded as being only suitable for such an encounter

Word History and Origins

Origin of one-night stand¹

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

The romantic thriller sees Collins play an American tourist who has a one-night stand with a handsome Spaniard, played by Money Heist's Álvaro Morte.

From BBC

They meet at their Edinburgh University graduation ball in 1988 and have a failed one-night stand.

From BBC

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

She says they had what she describes as “a standard one-night stand”.

From BBC

The prosecution contended he feared that if the Lake Tahoe one-night stand became public it would hurt his chances of being elected president in 2016.

From Los Angeles Times