Looking up...
single
/ˈsɪŋɡəl/
one in number or kind
She bought a single ticket for the concert.
She purchased one ticket for the concert.
general
One in number or kind; not multiple or paired.
He ordered a single coffee instead of a double.
He chose one coffee instead of two.
Often used to emphasize uniqueness or singularity.
informal
Unmarried or not in a relationship.
She's been single for a year now.
She has not been in a romantic relationship for a year.
Commonly used in social contexts to describe relationship status.
informal
A single piece or item, especially in music or media.
The artist released a new single last week.
The artist released a new song last week.
In music, refers to a standalone song, not part of an album.
Collocations
single outto choose or identify someone or something from a groupsingle parenta parent raising a child alonesingle-handedlydone by one person alone
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Adjective vs. Noun
As an adjective, 'single' describes something as one in number (e.g., 'a single room'). As a noun, it refers to one item (e.g., 'a single ticket').
Gold Rule
Avoid Redundancy
Avoid phrases like 'single individual' or 'single person,' as they are redundant.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'sengle,' from Old English 'sengel,' meaning 'one alone,' from Proto-Germanic 'singalaz.'
Usage Notes
Can function as an adjective (e.g., 'a single person') or a noun (e.g., 'a single ticket'). In music, 'single' refers to a standalone song release.
Word Breakdown
sing
one
root-le
alone
suffixEnglish Dictionary