What does solo mean?
A solo is an activity, performance, or undertaking carried out by one person. It can refer to a featured piece of music in which one performer plays while the others are silent, or more broadly to someone working independently rather than as part of a group. As an adjective, solo describes such an arrangement: a solo career, solo flight, or solo performance. As a verb, solo means to perform independently or begin a solo passage, especially in music. The word often carries a positive connotation of independence and confidence, although it can also suggest isolation or the absence of collaboration. Its use extends beyond music into sports, travel, business, and creative work, where doing something solo means assuming responsibility for it alone.
A performance or activity carried out by one person, especially a featured musical passage performed without other instrumentalists.
"The drummer began the number with a short solo."
The plural is “solos.” In music, the term may refer either to the featured passage itself or to the performer or recording of it.
Performed, undertaken, or designed by one person without assistance or accompaniment.
"After years with the orchestra, she embarked on a solo career."
Often used figuratively to describe independent work or action, such as “go solo.”
To perform alone, especially to begin or undertake a solo musical passage.
"He soloed for several minutes while the rest of the band waited."
This usage is most common in musical performance.
The plural is used for individual performances, recordings, or other solo instances.
"The album includes several solos by the band's lead guitarist."
From the Italian for “alone,” a solo began as a musical feature and now describes anything carried out independently.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does solo come from?
The word entered English in the early 19th century from Italian, where solo means “alone.” Italian borrowed the term from Latin solus, an adjective meaning “alone, sole, solitary.” The same Latin root underlies related English words such as sole, solitary, solitude, and soliloquy, although their precise histories and developments are not identical.
Related word forms
How solo is actually used
Solo is common in music and in figurative expressions such as “go solo.” In professional contexts it often emphasizes independence, self-reliance, or working without a partner or supporting team.
Easily confused with solo
A solo is an act performed by one person, whereas a soul is the spiritual or emotional essence of a person or thing.
A solo is an individual performance or activity, while a sole means the only one of a kind or the exclusive possession of something.