WordGarden.iosingle
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɪŋɡəl/
US
- /ˈsɪŋɡəl/
Meanings
Adjective
only one; not multiple
not married or not in a romantic relationship
Noun
a song released on its own, especially as a promoted track
a base hit that lets the batter reach first base
Beyond the definition
"Single" is a common word with a few clear uses. Most often, it means just one of something: a single flower, a single ticket, or a single mistake. It is also widely used for a person's relationship status, meaning not married or not in a romantic relationship. In other cases, it can describe something meant for one person, like a single room or a single bed, or something separate rather than grouped with others.
The word "single" is very flexible, but the idea at its center is simple: it points to one person or thing rather than more than one. In its most basic use, it means only one, as in "a single drop of rain," "a single serving," or "a single chance." In this sense, it often stands in contrast to double, multiple, or paired.
In everyday life, "single" is also a standard way to describe relationship status. If someone is single, they are not married, and in many contexts it also suggests that they are not currently in a romantic relationship. The exact meaning can depend on the situation, but the general idea is that the person is on their own rather than part of a couple.
The word can also describe something intended for one person or one unit, such as a single room, a single bed, or a single portion. Sometimes it means separate or not combined, as when items are sold as single pieces instead of in sets. As a noun, "single" can mean one song released on its own, especially in music. Across these uses, the word keeps the same basic idea: one, separate, or not joined with another.
Examples
- 1
One mistake
A single mistake can change the whole result.
- 2
Negative emphasis
I didn't catch a single word of his explanation.
- 3
Hotel room
She booked a single room for two nights.
- Phrasesingle room
a room for one person
- 4
Relationship status
Are you still single, or are you seeing someone?
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Parenting
He's raising his son as a single parent.
- Phrasesingle parent
a parent bringing up a child alone
- 6
Strong emphasis
They called each other every single day.
- Phraseevery single
every one, with extra emphasis
- 7
Music release
The singer released a new single last month.
- 8
Special attention
She was singled out for praise after the meeting.
- Patternsingle out + person
choose one person from a group for special attention
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- singlenounverbadjective
Forms
- singlespluralnounverbadjective
- singledpast tenseverbnounadjective
- singling-ing formverbnounadjective