What does soloing mean?
Soloing is the activity of playing, performing, or working independently rather than as part of a group. In its best-established musical sense, it refers to playing a solo passage on an instrument or performing alone while other musicians remain silent or accompany the performer. The word is also used in aviation for flying without an instructor, passenger, or other person aboard. Soloing often carries a positive connotation of independence, confidence, and technical ability, especially when a performer assumes the focal role. As a noun, it is used both to name the activity and to refer to an individual solo passage or flight. It is most natural in descriptions of music and formal aviation contexts, and it should not be confused with the related adjective or adverb solo.
nounThe act or activity of playing or performing alone, especially in music. It can also refer to flying an aircraft without an instructor, passenger, or other person aboard.
- The activity or act of playing a musical instrument or performing without other instrumentalists.
- The act of flying an aircraft alone, without an instructor, passenger, or other person aboard.
"Her expressive soloing brought the ensemble to a temporary hush."
"The drummer's extended soloing showcased his command of the instrument."
"After completing his training, the pilot began soloing on short local flights."
Usually singular; the plural is uncommon but can be used when referring to separate solo performances or flights.
"The recording includes several extended soloings from the horn section."
Soloing can mean doing the whole show yourself—and in aviation, it can mean flying with nobody else in the other seat.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does soloing come from?
The word was formed in English by adding the suffix -ing to solo, with the sense of playing or performing alone. Solo comes from Italian, where it means “alone,” and ultimately from Latin solus, meaning “alone” or “solitary.” Related English words include solitude, solitary, and soliloquy.
How soloing is actually used
In music, the term can describe either the activity itself or an extended feature in which one performer plays alone. In aviation, it is a more specialized expression for a flight conducted without an instructor or passenger.