one of the only
idiom
: one of very few : one in a small class or category
That was one of the only times I ever saw my father cry.
This is one of the only places in the world where the plant is found.
Examples of one of the only in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ramsey Creek Park in Cornelius has one of the only public swim beaches on the lake.
—
Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2025
Whether Trump truly studied Mayweather’s moves or simply mirrored them instinctively, the similarities are clear—and Lampley might be one of the only people to call it out this directly.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Katie Porter Porter, who represented California in the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2025, is one of the only major Democrats to explicitly oppose the high-speed rail project.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025
Suggs pointed at one of the only white players in the gym.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for one of the only
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.
Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2025
Whether Trump truly studied Mayweather’s moves or simply mirrored them instinctively, the similarities are clear—and Lampley might be one of the only people to call it out this directly.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Katie Porter Porter, who represented California in the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2025, is one of the only major Democrats to explicitly oppose the high-speed rail project.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025
Suggs pointed at one of the only white players in the gym.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for one of the only
Cite this Entry
“One of the only.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one%20of%20the%20only. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share