View synonyms for single

single

[ sing-guhl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

only one in number; one only; unique; sole:
a single example.
Synonyms: particular, distinct
of, relating to, or suitable for one person only:
a single room.
solitary or sole; lone:
He was the single survivor.
Synonyms: isolated
unmarried or not in a romantic relationship:
a single man.
Synonyms: unwed
pertaining to the unmarried state:
the single life.
of or noting a parent who brings up a child or children alone, without a partner.
of one against one, as combat or fight.
consisting of only one part, element, or member:
a single lens.
sincere and undivided:
single devotion.
separate, particular, or distinct; individual:
Every single one of you must do your best. It's the single most important thing.
uniform; applicable to all:
a single safety code for all manufacturers.
(of a bed or bedclothes) twin-size.
(of a flower) having only one set of petals.
British. of standard strength or body, as ale, beer, etc. Compare double ( def ).
(of the eye) seeing rightly.

verb (used with object)

, sin·gled, sin·gling.

to pick or choose (one) from others (usually followed by out ):
to single out a fact for special mention.
Synonyms: select
Baseball.
1. to cause the advance of (a base runner) by a one-base hit.
2. to cause (a run) to be scored by a one-base hit (often followed by in or home ).

verb (used without object)

, sin·gled, sin·gling.

Baseball. to hit a single.

noun

one person or thing; a single one.
Synonyms: individual
an accommodation suitable for one person only, as a hotel room or a table at a restaurant:
to reserve a single.
a ticket for a single seat at a theater.
British.
1. a one-way ticket.
2. a steam locomotive having one driving wheel on each side.
singles, people who are unmarried or not in a romantic relationship, especially if relatively young:
It's not uncommon for singles to feel lonely on Valentine Day.
Baseball. Also called one-base hit. a base hit that enables a batter to reach first base safely.
singles, (used with a singular verb) a match with one player on each side, as a tennis match.
Golf. twosome ( def 4 ).
Cricket. a hit for which one run is scored.
Informal. a one-dollar bill.
Music.
1. a phonograph record, CD, or cassette usually having two songs:
  I probably won't buy the single.
2. one of the songs recorded on a single:
  a hit single.
3. a song released or promoted separately from the rest of the album to which it belongs:
  A viral video put that single back on the charts.
Often singles. Textiles.
1. reeled or spun silk that may or may not be thrown.
2. a one-ply yarn of any fiber that has been drawn and twisted.

single

/ ˈsɪŋɡəl /

adjective

existing alone; solitary
upon the hill stood a single tower
distinct from other things; unique or individual
composed of one part
designed for one user
a single bed
a single room
also postpositive unmarried
connected with the condition of being unmarried
he led a single life
(esp of combat) involving two individuals; one against one
sufficient for one person or thing only
a single portion of food
even one
there wasn't a single person on the beach
(of a flower) having only one set or whorl of petals
determined; single-minded
a single devotion to duty
(of the eye) seeing correctly
to consider something with a single eye
rare.
honest or sincere; genuine
archaic.
(of ale, beer, etc) mild in strength

noun

something forming one individual unit
an unmarried person
a gramophone record, CD, or cassette with a short recording, usually of pop music, on it
golf a game between two players
cricket a hit from which one run is scored
1. a pound note
2. a dollar note
See single ticket

verb

trusually foll byout to select from a group of people or things; distinguish by separation
he singled him out for special mention
tr to thin out (seedlings)
short for single-foot

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Derived Forms

ˈsingleness, noun

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Other Words From

quasi-single adjective
quasi-singly adverb
un·single adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of single¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; late Middle English (adjective), Middle English sengle, from Old French, from Latin singulus “individual, single” (usually in the plural singuli “one apiece”); simplex none, simultaneous none

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Word History and Origins

Origin of single¹

C14: from Old French sengle, from Latin singulus individual

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Idioms and Phrases

each and every (every single)

Related Words

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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