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single Definition

sin·gle (siŋ′gəl)

adjective

    1. one only; one and no more; individual
    2. separate and distinct from others of the same kind every single time
  2. without another or others; alone; solitary
  3. of or for one person, as a bed or room, or one family, as a house
  4. between two persons only; with only one on each side single combat
    1. unmarried
    2. of or characteristic of the unmarried state
  6. having only one part; not double, compound, multiple, etc.
  7. the same for all; uniform a single scale of pay
  8. being a whole, or unbroken forming a single front
  9. having only one row or set of petals: said of flowers
  10. honest; sincere
  11. seeing justly to judge with a single eye
  12. Rare unique; singular
  13. Archaic weak; inferior: said of beer, ale, etc.

Etymology: ME < OFr sengle < L singulus, single: for IE base see simple

transitive verb -·gled, -·gling

  1. to select or distinguish from others: now usually with out
  2. ☆ Baseball to advance (a runner) by hitting a single

intransitive verb

☆ Baseball to hit a single

noun

  1. a single person or thing; specif.,
    1. a hotel room, travel space, etc. for one person
    2. unmarried people collectively
    3. ☆ Informal a one-dollar bill
    4. Informal a phonograph record, usually recorded at 45 rpm, with one short performance on each side
  2. ☆ Baseball a hit on which the batter reaches first base
  3. Cricket a hit by which one run is scored
  4. Golf a match between two players
  5. Racket Sports a match with only one player on each side

single Related Forms
sin′·gle·ness noun
single Synonyms

single

modif.

  1. Unique

    sole, original, exceptional, singular, only, uncommon, without equal, unequaled, peerless, without a peer, without a rival, unrivaled; see also rare 2, unique 1, unusual 1.

    Antonyms many*, numerous, widespread.

  2. Individual

    particular, separate, indivisible; see individual 1, private.

  3. Unmarried

    unwed, divorced, celibate, eligible, living alone, companionless, spouseless, bachelor, maiden, unattached, free, foot-loose*, unfettered*, on the loose*, freelancing*, in the market*.

    Antonyms married*, united*, wed.

  4. Alone

    isolated, separated, deserted; see alone 1.

  5. For the use of one person

    private, individual, restricted, secluded, personal, one's own, not public, not general, exclusive.

    Antonyms public*, common, general.

single Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • release: I think in the UK we have about 200 singles released in every week.
  • hit: I'm Gonna Love You Just... is a perfect collection of hit singles from a man who.. .

Adjective modifier

  • second: In the summer of 2001, Aaliyah filmed the video for Aaliyah's intended second single, " More than a Woman " .
  • new: Then it occurred to me, this is not a faulty CD, that noise is the new single.
  • first: CM: The first single you released to secular radio in the US is " Gravity.
  • next: Oasis are reportedly lining up a re-recorded version of ' Acquiesce ' as their next single.
  • early: One of her earliest singles for the label was Who's That Lady With My Man.

Modifies a noun

  • bed: Bedroom 3 has a single bed with a pull-out bed for an extra person.
  • currency: Has the adoption of a single currency by twelve EU countries been of benefit to them?
  • mother: Health equality improves when a teenage single mother goes through the hard work of giving up smoking.
  • parent: I'm a single parent of 3 boys to.
  • room: Accommodation Most of our students live in single rooms in our own College boarding houses.
  • point: Real cities don't have single points of entry.

Used with adjective complement

  • hit: The album produced the hit single, " Love ' s Theme " .
  • remain: It rejects the idea that the religious person who dedicates his life to God should remain single.
  • stay: I think perhaps I'd better stay single until my 2nd baby hits toddlerhood!

Noun used with modifier

  • hit: Follow You, Follow Me in 1978 was the first of many hit singles.
  • follow-up: The follow-up single was a cover version of the Coasters ' Little Egypt.

Preposition: from

  • album: Other singles from the albums were Nothing's to Good For My Baby and Blowin ' in the Wind.

Preposition: for

  • label: One of her earliest singles for the label was Who's That Lady With My Man.
single Quotes

All the wars that are now afoot in Europe have been fused together, and have become a single war.

—Gustavus II (Adolphus)

If I am to disclose to you what I should prefer if I follow theinclinationof mynature,it isthis: beggar-womanand single, far rather than queen and married!

—Elizabeth I

I was ever of the opinion, that the honest man who married and brought up a large family, did more service than he who continued single and only talked of population.

—Goldsmith, Oliver

The fountains mingle with the river, And the rivers with the ocean; The winds of heaven mix for ever With a sweet emotion; Nothing in the world is single; All things, bya law divine, In one spirit meet and mingle. Why not I with thine?

—Shelley, Percy Bysshe

Behold her, single in the field, Yon solitary Highland Lass! Reaping and singing by herself; Stop here, or gently pass!

—Wordsworth,William

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.

—Austen,Jane

To live single isnot such a fearful disaster. I believe it may be a sign of a step forward in culture, education and the quality of life.

—Zhang,Jie