single

Forms

Plural: singles

Definitions

Adjective
A word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun.

1.Not accompanied by anything else; one in number.
- The vase contained a single long-stemmed rose.
- Can you give me a single reason not to leave right now?
2.Not divided in parts.
- The potatoes left the spoon and landed in a single big lump on the plate.
3.Designed for the use of only one.
- I'd like to reserve a single room.
- Many of my friends are still single.
- He listened very carefully in order not to miss a single word.
4.Performed by one person, or one on each side.
- I'd like to reserve a single room.
- Many of my friends are still single.
- He listened very carefully in order not to miss a single word.

Noun
A word that identifies a person, place, thing, or idea.

1.A vinyl record with one song on side A and one on side B, usually 7 inches in diameter and played at 45 RPM.
2.A popular song released and sold (on any format) nominally on its own though usually having at least one extra track.
- The Offspring released four singles from their most recent album.
3.One who is not married or does not have a romantic partner.
- He went to the party, hoping to meet some friendly singles there.
4.A score of one run.
- He refused to take a single as the ball was dropped by his opponent's best fielder.

Frequency

Overall

Common· #649

By learning goal

Everyday conversation: Uncommon
General reading & writing: Common
Academic: Uncommon
Literature: Rare

Related words

Antonyms

Word family

Etymology

From Middle English single, sengle, from Old French sengle, saingle, sangle, from Latin singulus, a diminutive derived from Proto-Indo-European *sem- (“one”).

Akin to Latin simplex (“simple”).

See simple, and compare singular.

AdjectiveAdjective×A word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun.

NounNoun×A word that identifies a person, place, thing, or idea.