What does singularise mean?
Singularise means to convert a word or name from the plural to the singular. It is especially useful when dealing with irregular plurals, such as changing criteria to criterion, children to child, or phenomena to phenomenon. The verb can also describe treating a name or noun as singular, as when software recognises that a family name belongs to one person and removes an unintended plural ending. In this sense, it often means reducing a plural form to the corresponding singular rather than creating a new word. British English normally uses the spelling singularise, whereas American English normally uses singularize. The word is most common in editing, language technology, databases, and formal or administrative contexts, although it may be used conversationally when discussing awkward plurals. Its usefulness lies in making irregular forms conform to ordinary singular rules without losing the original meaning.
To change a word from the plural to the singular, especially by converting an irregular plural to its corresponding singular form.
"The database singularises imported surnames before searching for matching records."
British English commonly uses singularise; American English uses singularize.
To treat or represent something as singular rather than plural.
"The system singularises the organisation's name when it refers to the organisation as a whole."
This sense is especially common in grammar, editing, and language technology.
It gives one regular answer to irregular plurals: turn criteria back into criterion and phenomena into phenomenon.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does singularise come from?
The word was formed in English from singular and the suffix -ize, a form of the wider family of verbs meaning 'to make' or 'to bring into a particular condition.' Singular itself comes through Old French from Latin singularis, meaning 'one' or 'single.' The combining form -ize became widespread in English during the 19th century through French-derived forms such as -iser, although related verbs also occur in other European languages.
Related word forms
How singularise is actually used
The spelling with -ise is standard in British English, while singularize is standard in American English. In everyday use, the word usually refers to converting an irregular plural such as children to child; in grammar and computing contexts, it may also describe automatically choosing or imposing a singular form.