What does single mean?
Single means that something consists of, is intended for, or is associated with only one person, thing, unit, or event. It can describe an isolated fact, a room for one person, a ticket for one journey, or a person who is not married. The word often emphasizes individuality or the absence of alternatives: a single example may be treated as decisive, while a single person may lack support. In music and performance, it can also refer to a song, performance, or accompanying part by one performer. As a noun, a 'single' may mean one of a series, especially a music release or a drink of spirits. As a verb, 'single out' means to select someone or something for notice or distinction. The word is widely used in both British and American English and is neutral in register, although its use for an unmarried person can sound formal in some settings.
Consisting of or relating to one person, thing, unit, or event; not multiple or paired.
"There was a single entrance to the garden."
Commonly used to emphasize isolation, individuality, or the availability of one unit.
One person, thing, unit, or event considered individually; especially one of a series of music releases or one drink of spirits.
"The band released the single in March."
The music and spirits senses are especially familiar in British and American English.
To choose or distinguish one person or thing from a group for special attention or treatment.
"The judge singled out the witness's unusual testimony."
Usually occurs in the phrasal verb 'single out'.
By or as one person or thing; alone or singly.
"They entered the contest singly rather than as a group."
Less common than the adjective and usually used in formal or specific contexts.
The plural is used for individual people or things considered separately, individual music releases, or single drinks of spirits.
"The shop sells singles of the album at a reduced price."
From Latin singulus, meaning one, the word has been doing the work of counting, pairing, and declaring independence for centuries.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does single come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Latin singulus, an adjective meaning 'one, single, or individual.' Latin used it in senses relating to one person or thing, and English later developed the broader modern meanings. The related Latin forms singular and simplex also concern singularity, while forms such as singleton and singly reflect the same underlying idea in English.
Related word forms
How single is actually used
The adjective is very common in British and American English. In the sense 'unmarried,' it is standard but often formal in business and public contexts. As a noun, 'a single' usually means one track on an album or one drink of spirits. As a verb, 'single out' means to distinguish someone or something for special attention.
Easily confused with single
Single means one or individual, whereas sincere means genuine or free from pretence.
Single commonly refers to one person, thing, or unit, while singular more often describes a form or meaning that exists as one rather than as a pair or group.