single
single Lexical Profile
single Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Consisting of only one in number; solitary or sole.
"Not a single cloud was visible in the bright afternoon sky."
Considered separately from others; individual and distinct (often used for emphasis after 'every').
"The committee reviewed every single application before narrowing down the list of finalists."
Unmarried or not involved in a committed romantic relationship.
"She decided to buy her own apartment and enjoy her independent life as a single professional."
Designed or suitable for the use of one person only.
"The student dormitory room was furnished with a single bed and a small wooden desk."
British Valid for an outward journey only, rather than a return trip.
"He purchased a single ticket to Edinburgh because he was unsure when he would return."
• noun
A musical recording, typically a individual song, released separately from or ahead of a full-length album.
"The band's debut single reached the top of the national music charts within two weeks."
An individual person or thing considered separately, especially an unmarried adult.
"The community center organizes a monthly mixer for local singles."
A game or match, such as in tennis or badminton, played with one player on each side (usually used in the plural 'singles').
"She won both the women's singles and doubles titles at the championship tournament."
In baseball, a base hit that enables the batter to safely reach first base; in cricket, a hit that scores one run.
"The batter hit a sharp single into left field, driving in the tying run."
American A one-dollar bill.
"He handed the cashier a handful of singles to pay for his morning coffee."
• verb
To choose or distinguish one person or thing from a group for special attention or treatment (almost always used with 'out').
"The principal singled out the science department for its outstanding mentorship of new students."
To hit a one-base hit in baseball.
"The shortstop singled to center field in the bottom of the ninth inning."
• Rhymes for single
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 14th century from Old French 'single', derived from Latin 'singulus' meaning 'one by one, separate, or individual', which traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root *sem- ('one, together').