Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense singles, present participle singling, past tense, past participle singled
1. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
You use single to emphasize that you are referring to one thing, and no more than one thing.
[emphasis]
A single shot rang out.
Over six hundred people were wounded in a single day.
She hadn't uttered a single word.
Synonyms: one, sole, lone, solitary More Synonyms of single
2. adjective
You use single to indicate that you are considering something on its own and separately from other things like it.
[emphasis]
Every single house in town had been damaged.
The Middle East is the world's single most important source of oil.
Synonyms: individual, particular, separate, distinct More Synonyms of single
3. adjective
Someone who is single is not married. You can also use single to describe someone who does not have a girlfriend or boyfriend.
Is it difficult being a single mother?
I now have to face the rest of my life as a single person.
Gay men are now eligible to become foster parents whether they are single or havepartners.
4. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
A single room is a room intended for one person to stay or live in.
A single room at the Astir Hotel costs £56 a night.
Synonyms: separate, individual, exclusive, undivided More Synonyms of single
Single is also a noun.
It's £65 for a single, £98 for a double and £120 for an entire suite.
5. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
A single bed is wide enough for one person to sleep in.
6. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
A single ticket is a ticket for a journey from one place to another but not back again.
[British]
The price of a single ticket is thirty-nine pounds.
Single is also a noun.
...a Club Class single to Los Angeles. [+ to]
regional note: in AM, use one-way
7. countable noun
A single or a CD single is a CD which has a few short songs on it. You can also refer to the main song on a CD as a single.
Kids today don't buy singles.
The winners will get a chance to release their own single.
The collection includes all the band's British and American hit singles.
8. uncountable noun
Singles is a game of tennis or badminton in which one player plays another. The plural singles can be used to refer to one or more of these matches.
The British player won the men's singles.
She is equally at home on the singles or doubles court.
9. countable noun
In cricket, a single is a hit from which one run is scored. In baseball, a single is a hit by which a batter reaches first base.
10. See also single-
11. in single file
Phrasal verbs:
See single out
More Synonyms of single
single-
(sɪŋgəl-)
combining form
single- is used to form words which describe something that has one part or feature, rather than having two or more of them.
The single-engine plane landed in western Arizona.
...a single-track road.
single in British English
(ˈsɪŋɡəl)
adjective(usually prenominal)
1.
existing alone; solitary
upon the hill stood a single tower
2.
distinct from other things; unique or individual
3.
composed of one part
4.
designed for one user
a single room
a single bed
5. (also postpositive)
unmarried
6.
connected with the condition of being unmarried
he led a single life
7.
(esp of combat) involving two individuals; one against one
8.
sufficient for one person or thing only
a single portion of food
9.
even one
there wasn't a single person on the beach
10.
(of a flower) having only one set or whorl of petals
11.
determined; single-minded
a single devotion to duty
12.
(of the eye) seeing correctly
to consider something with a single eye
13. rare
honest or sincere; genuine
14. archaic
(of ale, beer, etc) mild in strength
noun
15.
something forming one individual unit
16.
an unmarried person
17.
a gramophone record, CD, or cassette with a short recording, usually of pop music, on it
18. golf
a game between two players
19. cricket
a hit from which one run is scored
20.
a. British
a pound note
b. US and Canadian
a dollar bill
21. single ticket
verb
22. (transitive; usually foll byout)
to select from a group of people or things; distinguish by separation
he singled him out for special mention
23. (transitive)
to thin out (seedlings)
24. short for single-foot
Derived forms
singleness (ˈsingleness)
noun
Word origin
C14: from Old French sengle, from Latin singulus individual
single in American English
(ˈsɪŋgəl)
adjective
1.
a.
one only; one and no more; individual
b.
separate and distinct from others of the same kind
every single time
2.
without another or others; alone; solitary
3.
of or for one person, as a bed or room, or one family, as a house
4.
between two persons only; with only one on each side
single combat
5.
a.
unmarried
b.
of or characteristic of the unmarried state
6.
having only one part; not double, compound, multiple, etc.
7.
the same for all; uniform
a single scale of pay
8.
being a whole, or unbroken
forming a single front
9.
having only one row or set of petals
said of flowers
10.
honest; sincere
11.
seeing justly
to judge with a single eye
12. Rare
unique; singular
13. Archaic
weak; inferior
said of beer, ale, etc.
verb transitiveWord forms: ˈsingled or ˈsingling
14.
to select or distinguish from others
now usually with out
15. US, Baseball
to advance (a runner) by hitting a single
verb intransitive
16. US, Baseball
to hit a single
noun
17.
a single person or thing
; specif.,
a.
a hotel room, travel space, etc. for one person
b. [pl.]
unmarried people collectively
c. US, Informal
a one-dollar bill
d. Informal
a phonograph record, usually recorded at 45 rpm, with one short performance on each side
18. US, Baseball
a hit on which the batter reaches first base
19. Cricket
a hit by which one run is scored
20. Golf
a match between two players
21. [pl.]; Racket Sports
a match with only one player on each side
Derived forms
singleness (ˈsingleness)
noun
Word origin
ME < OFr sengle < L singulus, single: for IE base see simple
Examples of 'single' in a sentence
single
It is also a fantastic holiday for single people.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Not bad for a mere pop single.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The unit has not brought one single case to trial through its own investigations.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Not a single player wanted to carry on.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The report does not single out any individual pollster for criticism over herding.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The church now has a singles group of almost two hundred members.
Christianity Today (2000)
The single thing that most helped me to control it was forcing myself to take exercise.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
One of the central selling points of singles tennis is the duel.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
They rented a motorhome with a double bed at the back and two singles up front.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Former detainees still campaigning for justice have also been singled out.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
This would leave you facing life as a single mum.
The Sun (2015)
Work on the soil before you buy a single plant.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
No single collection has a definitive hoard of them.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Best sleepers were those with jobs based in a single location.
The Sun (2006)
He then waited in the car while his mother bought a single ticket.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
He ended up alone in a single room in a hospice.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Not a single person pretends to look the other way.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Support for the single currency was fragile with countries that did not have it showing no signs of wanting to join.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
If you are single, your new love has a gift for turning houses into welcoming homes.
The Sun (2013)
You have only won one singles game at Wimbledon in six years.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
In my 12 years at school not a single day was lost due to weather.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
West London's finest were not always a great singles band.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
In other languages
single
British English: single /ˈsɪŋɡl/ ADJECTIVE
You use single to emphasize that you are referring to one thing, and no more than one thing.
She hasn't said a single word.
American English: single
Arabic: وَحِيد
Brazilian Portuguese: único
Chinese: 单一的
Croatian: jedan jedini
Czech: jediný
Danish: enkel ene
Dutch: enkel
European Spanish: individual
Finnish: ainoa
French: seul
German: einziger
Greek: μοναδικός
Italian: single
Japanese: たった一つの
Korean: 단 하나의
Norwegian: enkel
Polish: pojedynczy
European Portuguese: único
Romanian: singur
Russian: одиночный
Latin American Spanish: individual
Swedish: ensamstående
Thai: โสด
Turkish: tek
Ukrainian: єдиний
Vietnamese: đơn độc
British English: single /ˈsɪŋɡl/ NOUN
A single is a ticket for a journey from one place to another but not back again.
American English: one-way ticket
Arabic: تَذْكَرَةُ ذَهَابٍ
Brazilian Portuguese: bilhete simples hotel
Chinese: 单程票
Croatian: karta u jednom smjeru
Czech: jednoduchá jízdenka
Danish: single
Dutch: enkeltje
European Spanish: de ida
Finnish: yhden hengen huone
French: aller simple
German: Single Person
Greek: μονόκλινο δωμάτιο
Italian: singolo
Japanese: シングル
Korean: 편도
Norwegian: singel
Polish: bilet w jedną stronę
European Portuguese: bilhete simples hotel
Romanian: bilet dus
Russian: билет в однин конец
Latin American Spanish: sencillo boleto de ida solamente
Swedish: singel
Thai: ตั๋วเที่ยวเดียว
Turkish: tek yataklı oda
Ukrainian: квиток в один бік
Vietnamese: vé một chiều
All related terms of 'single'
hit single
a successful and popular song which has sold many copies
maxi single
a music single which contains more than the usual number of tracks
single bed
a bed that is narrower than a double bed and is intended for one person
single bond
a covalent bond formed between two atoms by the sharing of one pair of electrons
single cut
a simple form of brilliant cut, having eight facets above and eight facets below the girdle , as well as the table, and usually a culet
single-end
accommodation consisting of a single room
single file
a line of persons, animals, or things ranged one behind the other, either stationary or moving
single-foot
a rapid showy gait of a horse in which each foot strikes the ground separately, as in a walk
single malt
a type of whisky that is made at a single distillery and from one type of malted grain
single out
If you single someone out from a group, you choose them and give them special attention or treatment .
single room
a room with a single bed that is intended for one person to sleep in (often in a hotel or rented accommodation )
single-sex
At a single-sex school, the pupils are either all boys or all girls .
single-step
to perform a single instruction on (a program ), generally under the control of a debug program
single tax
a taxation system in which a tax on one commodity , usually land, is the only source of revenue
single-use
made to be used once only
debut single
the first single produced by a particular singer or band
single-acting
(of a reciprocating engine or pump ) having a piston or pistons that are pressurized on one side only
single-action
(of a firearm ) requiring the hammer to be cocked by hand before firing
single-blind
of or relating to an experiment , esp one to discover people's reactions to certain commodities , drugs, etc, in which the experimenters but not the subjects know the particulars of the test items during the experiment
single-celled
having or containing a single cell
single combat
a fight between two individuals; duel
single cream
Single cream is thin cream that does not have a lot of fat in it.
single-cross
a hybrid of the first generation between two inbred lines
single-decker
A single-decker or a single-decker bus is a bus with only one deck.
single-ended
(of an amplifier ) having one side of the input and one side of the output connected to earth: used for an unbalanced signal
single entity
An entity is something that exists separately from other things and has a clear identity of its own.
single entry
a simple book-keeping system in which transactions are entered in one account only
single factor
A factor is one of the things that affects an event, decision , or situation.
single father
a father who has a dependent child or dependent children and who is widowed , divorced , or unmarried
single-figure
relating to numbers below ten
single-handed
If you do something single-handed , you do it on your own, without help from anyone else.
single market
a market consisting of a number of nations , esp those of the European Union , in which goods, capital, and currencies can move freely across borders without tariffs or restrictions
single-masted
(of a boat ) having a single mast
single-minded
Someone who is single-minded has only one aim or purpose and is determined to achieve it.
single mother
a mother who has a dependent child or dependent children and who is widowed , divorced , or unmarried
single parent
A single parent is someone who is bringing up a child on their own, because the other parent is not living with them.
single-party
of or relating to a form of government in which only a single political party constitutes the government
single penny
If you say , for example , that you do not have a penny , or that something does not cost a penny , you are emphasizing that you do not have any money at all, or that something did not cost you any money at all.
single-phase
(of a system, circuit , or device ) having, generating , or using a single alternating voltage
single point
In some sports, competitions , and games, a point is one of the single marks that are added together to give the total score .
single quotes
one pair of single quotation marks, written as (' ') and used esp. for a quotation within another quotation
single sculls
a race for sculls each rowed by one oarsman using a pair of oars
single-seater
a vehicle that has only one seat
single-space
to type ( copy ) without leaving a space between the lines
single status
a national agreement that aims to avoid unfairness in pay and reward arrangements for employees and to ensure harmonization of conditions in comparable posts
single-storey
(of a building) having only one floor or level
single thread
the execution of an entire task from beginning to end without interruption
single ticket
a ticket entitling a passenger to travel only to his or her destination , without returning
single-tongue
to play (any nonlegato passage ) on a wind instrument by obstructing and uncovering the air passage through the lips with the tongue
single track
a single pair of lines so that trains can travel in only one direction at a time
Chinese translation of 'single'
single
(ˈsɪŋɡl)
adj
(= solitary) 单(單)个(個)的 (dāngè de)
⇒ We heard a single shot.我们听到一声枪响。 (Wǒmen tīngdào yī shēng qiāng xiǎng.)
(= individual) 唯一的 (wéiyī de)
⇒ the world's single most important source of oil世界上唯一最重要的石油来源 (shìjiè shang wéiyī zuì zhòngyào de shíyóu láiyuán)
(= unmarried) 单(單)身的 (dānshēn de)
⇒ a single woman一位单身女子 (yī wèi dānshēn nǚzǐ)
(= for one person, car etc)[sheet, garage]单(單)人的 (dānrén de)
n(c)
(Brit)
(also single ticket) 单(單)程票 (dānchéngpiào) (张(張), zhāng)
美 = one-way ticket
(= record) 单(單)曲唱片 (dānqǔ chàngpiàn)
not a single one was left一个(個)都没(沒)剩 (yī gè dōu méi shèng)
every single day每一天 (měi yītiān)
single spacing (Typ) 单(單)倍行距 (dān bèi háng jù)
All related terms of 'single'
single bed
单(單)人床 dānrénchuáng [ 张(張) zhāng ]
single file
▶ in single file 一列纵(縱)队(隊) yī liè zòngduì
single out
( choose ) 选(選)出 xuǎnchū
single room
单(單)人房 dānrénfáng [ 间(間) jiān ]
single parent
单(單)亲(親) dānqīn
single spacing
( Typ ) 单(單)倍行距 dān bèi háng jù
single-handed
独(獨)自一人地 dúzì yī rén de
single-minded
一心一意的 yī xīn yī yì de
in single file
一列纵(縱)队(隊) yī liè zòngduì
every single day
每一天 měi yītiān
single/double room
单(單)人/双(雙)人间(間) dānrén/shuāngrén jiān
in single/double figures
以单(單)位数(數)/双(雙)位数(數) yǐ dānwèishù/shuāngwèishù
not a single one was left
一个(個)都没(沒)剩 yī gè dōu méi shèng
to single sb out for sth
为(為)某事选(選)出某人 wèi mǒushì xuǎnchū mǒurén
single/double entry book-keeping
( Comm ) 单(單)/复(複)式记(記)账(賬) dān/fùshì jìzhàng
to do sth at a single sitting
一口气(氣)做完某事 yī kǒu qì zuòwán mǒushì
1 (adjective)
Definition
existing alone
A single shot rang out.
Synonyms
one
My one regret is that I never knew my father.
sole
Their sole aim is to enjoy life.
lone
a lone motorist
solitary
He spent many a solitary evening.
only
She was the only applicant for the job.
only one
unique
The area has its own unique language, Catalan.
isolated
The allegations related to an isolated case of cheating.
singular
The pronoun `you' can be singular or plural.
2 (adjective)
Definition
distinct from others of the same kind
Every single house had been damaged.
Synonyms
individual
We develop our own individual style of writing.
particular
What particular aspects of the job are you interested in?
separate
We both live our separate lives.
distinct
The book is divided into two distinct parts.
3 (adjective)
Definition
unmarried
The last I heard she was still single, still out there.
Synonyms
unmarried
Many young people remain unmarried to concentrate on their career.
free
The government will be free to pursue its economic policies.
unattached
Those who are unattached may find that a potential mate is very close.
on the shelf
I was afraid of getting left on the shelf.
unwed
partnerless
spouseless
4 (adjective)
Definition
designed for one user
I booked a single room at the hotel.
Synonyms
separate
individual
waiting for the group to decide rather than making individual decisions
exclusive
We have exclusive use of a 60-foot boat.
undivided
Adults rarely give the television their undivided attention.
unshared
5 (adjective)
single malt whisky
Synonyms
simple
unmixed
unblended
uncompounded
6 (adjective)
(formal)
a single failure in a career marked by many sweet moments
Synonyms
significant
It is the first drug that seems to have a significant effect on this disease.
striking
She was a striking woman with long blonde hair.
serious (informal)
I regard this as a serious matter.
famous
England's most famous landscape artist, John Constable
extraordinary
He is an extraordinary musician.
outstanding
an area of outstanding natural beauty
remarkable
He was a remarkable man.
distinguished
a distinguished gentleman
exceptional
His piano playing is exceptional.
memorable
a memorable performance
notable
The most notable architectural feature of the town is its castle.
eminent
an eminent public figure
conspicuous
momentous
the momentous decision to send in the troops
noteworthy
None of these buildings are noteworthy for their architecture.
phrasal verb
See single something or someone out
Additional synonyms
in the sense of conspicuous
Definition
noteworthy or striking
Synonyms
noteworthy,
striking,
famous,
celebrated,
signal,
outstanding,
remarkable,
distinguished,
prominent,
notable,
eminent,
illustrious,
salient
in the sense of distinct
Definition
not the same
The book is divided into two distinct parts.
Synonyms
different,
individual,
separate,
disconnected,
discrete,
dissimilar,
unconnected,
unattached
in the sense of distinguished
Definition
highly respected
a distinguished gentleman
Synonyms
marked,
striking,
signal,
extraordinary,
outstanding,
conspicuous
Synonyms of 'single'
single
Explore 'single' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of eminent
Definition
well-known and well-respected
an eminent public figure
Synonyms
prominent,
high,
great,
important,
noted,
respected,
grand,
famous,
celebrated,
outstanding,
distinguished,
well-known,
superior,
esteemed,
notable,
renowned,
prestigious,
elevated,
paramount,
big-time (informal),
foremost,
high-ranking,
conspicuous,
illustrious,
major league (informal),
exalted,
noteworthy,
pre-eminent
in the sense of exceptional
Definition
having much more than average intelligence, ability, or skill
His piano playing is exceptional.
Synonyms
remarkable,
special,
excellent,
extraordinary,
outstanding,
superior,
first-class,
marvellous,
notable,
phenomenal,
first-rate,
prodigious,
unsurpassed,
one in a million,
bodacious (slang, US),
unexcelled
in the sense of exclusive
We have exclusive use of a 60-foot boat.
Synonyms
sole,
only,
full,
whole,
single,
private,
complete,
total,
entire,
unique,
absolute,
undivided,
unshared
in the sense of extraordinary
Definition
having some special or extreme quality
He is an extraordinary musician.
Synonyms
remarkable,
special,
wonderful,
outstanding,
rare,
amazing,
fantastic (informal),
astonishing,
marvellous,
eye-popping (informal),
exceptional,
notable,
serious (informal),
phenomenal,
singular,
wondrous (archaic, literary),
out of this world (informal),
extremely good
in the sense of famous
Definition
known to or recognized by many people
England's most famous landscape artist, John Constable
Synonyms
well-known,
celebrated,
acclaimed,
notable,
noted,
excellent,
signal,
honoured,
remarkable,
distinguished,
prominent,
glorious,
legendary,
renowned,
eminent,
conspicuous,
illustrious,
much-publicized,
lionized,
far-famed
in the sense of free
Definition
able to act at will
The government will be free to pursue its economic policies.
Synonyms
allowed,
permitted,
unrestricted,
unimpeded,
at liberty,
open,
clear,
able,
loose,
unattached,
unregulated,
disengaged,
untrammelled,
unobstructed,
unhampered,
unengaged
in the sense of isolated
The allegations related to an isolated case of cheating.
Synonyms
single,
individual,
unique,
unusual,
sole,
random,
exceptional,
freak,
lone,
solitary,
abnormal,
unrelated,
anomalous,
atypical,
untypical
in the sense of lone
Definition
solitary
a lone motorist
Synonyms
solitary,
single,
separate,
one,
only,
sole,
by yourself,
unaccompanied
in the sense of memorable
Definition
worth remembering or easily remembered because it is very special or important
a memorable performance
Synonyms
noteworthy,
celebrated,
impressive,
historic,
important,
special,
striking,
famous,
significant,
signal,
extraordinary,
remarkable,
distinguished,
haunting,
notable,
timeless,
unforgettable,
momentous,
illustrious,
catchy,
indelible,
unfading
in the sense of momentous
Definition
of great significance
the momentous decision to send in the troops
Synonyms
significant,
important,
serious,
vital,
critical,
crucial (informal),
grave,
historic,
decisive,
pivotal,
fateful,
weighty,
consequential,
of moment,
earth-shaking (informal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of notable
Definition
worthy of being noted
The most notable architectural feature of the town is its castle.
Synonyms
remarkable,
marked,
striking,
unusual,
extraordinary,
outstanding,
evident,
pronounced,
memorable,
noticeable,
uncommon,
conspicuous,
salient,
noteworthy
in the sense of noteworthy
Definition
worth noting
None of these buildings are noteworthy for their architecture.
Synonyms
remarkable,
interesting,
important,
significant,
extraordinary,
outstanding,
exceptional,
notable
in the sense of on the shelf
Definition
put aside or abandoned; used esp. of unmarried women considered to be past the age of marriage
I was afraid of getting left on the shelf.
Synonyms
unmarried,
single,
unwed,
unwedded,
spouseless
in the sense of only
Definition
alone of its or their kind
She was the only applicant for the job.
Synonyms
sole,
one,
single,
individual,
exclusive,
unique,
lone,
solitary,
one and only
in the sense of outstanding
Definition
very obvious or important
an area of outstanding natural beauty
Synonyms
conspicuous,
marked,
striking,
arresting,
signal,
remarkable,
memorable,
notable,
eye-catching,
salient,
noteworthy
in the sense of particular
Definition
of, belonging to, or being one person or thing
What particular aspects of the job are you interested in?
Synonyms
specific,
special,
express,
exact,
precise,
distinct,
peculiar
in the sense of remarkable
Definition
striking or extraordinary
He was a remarkable man.
Synonyms
extraordinary,
striking,
outstanding,
famous,
odd,
strange,
wonderful,
signal,
rare,
unusual,
impressive,
surprising,
distinguished,
prominent,
notable,
phenomenal,
uncommon,
conspicuous,
singular,
miraculous,
noteworthy,
pre-eminent
in the sense of serious
Definition
concerned with important matters
I regard this as a serious matter.
Synonyms
important,
crucial (informal),
urgent,
pressing,
difficult,
worrying,
deep,
significant,
grim,
far-reaching,
momentous,
fateful,
weighty,
no laughing matter,
of moment or consequence
in the sense of singular
Definition
(of a word or form) denoting only one person or thing
The pronoun `you' can be singular or plural.
Synonyms
single,
individual
in the sense of sole
Definition
not shared
Their sole aim is to enjoy life.
Synonyms
only,
one,
single,
individual,
alone,
exclusive,
solitary,
singular,
one and only
Additional synonyms
in the sense of solitary
Definition
experienced or performed alone
He spent many a solitary evening.
Synonyms
lone,
alone
in the sense of striking
Definition
attracting attention
She was a striking woman with long blonde hair.
Synonyms
impressive,
dramatic,
stunning (informal),
wonderful,
extraordinary,
outstanding,
astonishing,
memorable,
dazzling,
noticeable,
conspicuous,
drop-dead (slang),
out of the ordinary,
forcible,
jaw-dropping,
eye-popping (informal),
gee-whizz (slang)
in the sense of unattached
Definition
not engaged or married
Those who are unattached may find that a potential mate is very close.
Synonyms
single,
available,
unmarried,
on your own,
by yourself,
a free agent,
not spoken for,
left on the shelf,
footloose and fancy-free,
unengaged
in the sense of undivided
Definition
total and whole-hearted
Adults rarely give the television their undivided attention.