single Definition

single
adj

1. Comprising only one part; solitary.

Thesaurus: individual, solitary, alone, isolated, separate, sole; whole, unitary; Antonym: mixed, composite.
2. Having no partner; unmarried, especially never having been married.

Thesaurus: eligible, unattached, free; Antonym: married.
3. For use by one person only.

Example: a single room
4. Said of a travel ticket: valid for an outward journey only; not return.
5. Unique; individual.

Thesaurus: individual, singular, distinct, discrete, particular.
6. One-fold; uncombined.

Example: single stitch
7. Said of a combat: person-to-person.
8. Even one.

Example: Not a single person turned up
9. Said of a flower: having only one set of petals.

noun singles

1. A person without a partner, either marital or otherwise.

Form: singles (often)
2. A single room, eg in a guest house.
3. A ticket for an outward journey only.
4. A record (noun 4) usually with only one track on each side, now also referring to a cassette single and those on compact disc. Compare album.
(Brit)
5. A pound coin or note.
(US)
6. A one-dollar note.
7. cricket.
A hit for one run.

verb

singled, singling
1. To pick someone or something from among others.

Example: He was singled out for the team
Example: They singled him out as the culprit
Thesaurus: select, prefer, pick out, choose, distinguish, separate, winnow, target, elect.
Form: single out (always)

Etymology: 14c: French, from Latin singuli one by one.