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adj

single

SIHNGGL
adj
1
Being just one, on its own, without anything else alongside it.
"A single candle lit the whole room."
"They asked for a single room at the hotel."
2
Not married and not currently in a romantic relationship.
"She has been single for the past two years."
noun
1
A song released on its own, separate from a full album.
"The band released a new single ahead of the album."
verb
1
To choose one thing out from a group; to single out.
"The teacher singled him out for praise."

How to Use Single

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOne and only one — used for objects, people who aren't in a relationship, or standalone songs.

Common mistake

As a verb, "single out" means to select someone for special attention, usually not a compliment — don't confuse it with just "choose."

Common pairings
single room single parent release a single single out

Word Forms

singled past tense, singles plural, Singles plural, singles singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ candle lit the whole room.

Etymology

From Old French sengle/single, from Latin singulus ("one, individual") — related to simplex, the root of "simple."

Rhymes for single

See all rhymes for single →
Definitions: FreeDict original editorial