single
adj. · n. · v.-
1 only one (adj.) A2 Elementaryonly one; not with any others.
denoting a single unit or individual; not accompanied by others.
ExampleHe managed to finish the entire project in a single day.
ExampleThe witness was unable to recall a single detail about the vehicle's license plate despite the bright streetlights.
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2 not married (adj.) A2 Elementarynot married and not in a romantic relationship.
unmarried or not involved in a committed romantic relationship.
ExampleShe has been single for two years and enjoys her independence.
ExampleThe tax benefits for married couples often differ significantly from those available to single taxpayers in this jurisdiction.
- unmarried
- unattached
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3 for one person (adj.) A2 Elementarymade for only one person to use.
designed or intended for use by one person only.
ExampleI booked a single room at the hotel because I was travelling alone.
ExampleThe hostel offers both dormitory-style accommodation and private single rooms for those seeking more quiet.
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4 a person (n.) B1 Intermediatesomeone who is not married or in a relationship.
an individual who is unmarried or lacks a significant other.
ExampleThe cruise was specifically designed for singles looking to meet new people.
ExampleThe housing development includes several smaller units aimed at young singles and retirees.
- unmarried person
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5 music (n.) A2 Elementary Musica popular song that is released on its own.
a song released individually from an album, often for promotional purposes.
ExampleThe band's new single reached number one on the charts this week.
ExampleThe lead single from her third studio album received critical acclaim for its innovative production and lyrical depth.
- album
- LP
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6 sports match (n.) B1 Intermediate Sporta game, like tennis, played with one person on each side.
a match in sports such as tennis or badminton played between two individual competitors.
ExampleShe won the women's singles title after a very long match.
ExampleThe tournament schedule prioritises the men's singles final, which is expected to draw the largest television audience.
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7 one-way ticket (n.) B1 Intermediate British Englisha ticket for a journey to a place, but not back again.
a ticket valid for travel to a destination without a return journey.
ExampleA single to London, please.
ExampleThe passenger requested a single to Edinburgh, explaining that he intended to return by car with a friend.
- one way ticket
- return
- round trip
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8 one dollar bill (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate American English Informala paper bill worth one dollar.
a United States banknote with a face value of one dollar.
ExampleI have a few singles in my pocket for the vending machine.
ExampleThe cashier asked if he could pay in smaller denominations, as the register was running low on singles.
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9 baseball (v.) C1 Advanced American English Sportto hit the ball and reach the first base safely.
to hit a single; to reach first base on a hit.
ExampleHe singled to left field in the third inning.
ExampleThe batter managed to single past the shortstop, driving in the winning run during the bottom of the ninth.
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10 to thin out plants (v.) C2 Proficiency Technical Agricultureto remove some small plants so the others have more room to grow.
to thin out a row of seedlings by removing excess plants.
ExampleYou need to single the beet seedlings so they can grow large.
ExampleThe gardener spent the afternoon singling the carrots to ensure each root had sufficient space to develop without competition-develop without competition.
From Middle English single, sengle, from Old French sengle, saingle, sangle, from Latin singulus, a diminutive derived from Proto-Indo-European *sem- (“one”). Akin to Latin simplex (“simple”). See simple, and compare singular.