single

One only, with no others.

• There was a single flower in the vase.
• Put the biscuits in a single layer.
• We shared a single ticket between us.

Similar words: one, sole

Opposites: multiple

Common phrases: a single layer, one single flower, a single ticket, a single reason

A person who is not married, or who does not have a romantic partner.

• Are you single?
• She has been single for two years.
• The club welcomes single parents.

Similar words: unmarried, unattached

Opposites: married

Common phrases: single mother, be single, single person

Used to make clear that you mean every one, or even one.

• I called her every single day.
• He did not say a single word.
• Have you checked every single detail?

Common phrases: every single day, a single word, every single detail

Forming one whole piece or unit, without being separated into parts.

• The clay formed a single lump.
• The roof was made from a single sheet of metal.
• They joined the parts into a single unit.

Similar words: undivided, whole

Opposites: divided

Common phrases: a single piece, a single unit, a single lump

A song released separately, sometimes with another song, rather than only as part of an album.

• Her new single is out today.
• The band released three singles last year.
• Their first single reached the top of the charts.

Common phrases: release a single, debut single, hit single

A game, especially tennis, with one player on each side; usually called singles.

• She plays singles every weekend.
• He won the singles final yesterday.
• Do you prefer singles or doubles?

Opposites: doubles

Common phrases: single match, single contest

A person who is not married or does not have a romantic partner.

• The event is open to singles.
• Many singles use dating apps.
• The holiday company offers trips for singles.

Common phrases: a single, eligible single

A baseball hit that lets the hitter reach first base.

• He hit a single.
• Her single allowed another runner to score.
• Two singles put runners on first and second base.

Similar words: base hit

Common phrases: hit a single, a single to, leadoff single