single

"Single" is a very common and useful word in English. It works as an adjective, noun, and verb, and has around 5 core meanings you'll encounter regularly. Here are the most important ones!

1adjectiveonly one

When there is just one of something — not two, not three, just one — you can use 'single' to emphasize that. It often adds a feeling of 'and nothing more than that.'

everyday language · Modern, widely used

She finished the entire pizza in a single sitting.

Not a single student answered the question correctly.

He did it with a single click of the mouse.

2adjectivenot in a relationship

When someone is not married and does not have a romantic partner, we say they are 'single.' It is the opposite of being in a relationship or being married.

everyday language / relationships · Modern, widely used

She has been single for two years after her breakup.

Are you single, or are you seeing someone?

Many single people enjoy living alone.

3adjectivefor one person

When something is designed or meant for just one person, you call it 'single.' Think of a hotel room or a bed — a single room has space for one person only.

travel / accommodation · Modern, widely used

I booked a single room at the hotel.

He sleeps in a single bed.

The hostel offers single and double occupancy options.

4nouna music release

In the music world, a 'single' is one song that an artist releases on its own, rather than as part of a full album. When you hear a new song on the radio from your favorite artist, it is probably their latest single.

music / entertainment · Modern, widely used

The band released a new single last Friday.

Her single reached number one on the charts.

I downloaded his single as soon as it came out.

5nouna one-way ticket

In British English especially, a 'single' is a ticket that takes you from one place to another, but does not include the return journey. If you want to come back, you need a 'return' ticket.

travel / transport · Modern, widely used — more common in British English

I'd like a single to Edinburgh, please.

A single costs less than a return ticket.

She bought a single because she wasn't sure when she'd come back.

6verbfigurativeto single out

When you 'single someone out,' you choose or focus on one specific person from a group — often to give them special attention, praise, or criticism. Imagine a teacher pointing to just one student in a class of thirty.

everyday language · Modern, widely used · figurative

The manager singled her out for her excellent performance.

He felt uncomfortable being singled out in front of everyone.

The report singled out three cities as the most affected.