single
She bought a single ticket for the concert.
She purchased one ticket for the concert.
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.
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.
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
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.