# singular

/ˈsɪŋɡjəɫɝ/ (US) · /sˈɪŋɡjʊlɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/singular
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. grammar

adjective · CEFR B1

used to describe a word that refers to only one person or thing.

For teachers: relating to the grammatical category of number that refers to a single entity. It typically modifies nouns or verbs to indicate a count of one.

- The word 'child' is the singular form of 'children'.
- In English, most singular nouns require an article like 'a' or 'the' when they function as the subject of a sentence.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it modifies.

### 2. extraordinary

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal · Literary

very unusual, special, or surprising.

For teachers: distinguished by being exceptional, remarkable, or out of the ordinary. Often carries a formal or literary tone.

- The artist had a singular talent for capturing light in her paintings.
- The explorer showed singular courage when he decided to continue the journey alone despite the worsening weather conditions.

### 3. strange

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary

strange or odd in a way that is hard to explain.

For teachers: deviating from the expected or normal; peculiar or eccentric in nature.

- He had a singular habit of humming while he read the newspaper.
- The detective noticed a singular lack of footprints around the house, which suggested the intruder had been extremely careful.

### 4. the singular form

noun · CEFR B1

the form of a word that means only one.

For teachers: the grammatical form of a noun, pronoun, or verb used to refer to one person, thing, or instance.

- Is the singular of 'data' actually 'datum'?
- The student struggled to remember which verbs require a change in the singular when writing in the third person.

Usage: Often used with the definite article 'the'.

## Examples

- The singular of 'children' is 'child'.
- In English, most nouns add an 's' to change from the singular to the plural form.
- While many collective nouns are grammatically singular, they can sometimes take a plural verb in British English depending on whether the group is viewed as a unit or as individuals.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.