26984 words

single

22 definitions • 21 examples
1
one only:

Examples:

He knocked his opponent down with a single blow.
not a single Not a single person offered to help her.
You haven't been listening to a single word I've been saying.
2
not married, or not having a romantic relationship with someone:

Examples:

a single woman/man/person
He's been single for so long now, I don't think he'll ever marry.
single-parent family The number of single-parent families dependent on the state has risen enormously in recent years.
3
considered on its own and separate from other things:

Examples:

Patience is the single most important quality needed for this job.
She lost every single thing when her house burned down.
4
A baseball player singles by hitting a ball that allows him to reach first base.
5
a record or CD that has a main song and usually a small number of other songs on it:

Examples:

Have you heard Lady Gaga's new single?
6
in cricket, one run (= point)
7
in baseball, a hit that allows the player to reach first base
8
a game, especially in tennis, played between one player on one side and one on the other:

Examples:

He was one of only two Americans to win his singles match.
9
people who are not married and do not have a romantic relationship with someone:

Examples:

They hold a number of social events especially for singles.
10
a ticket for a journey to a place, but not for the return:

Examples:

May I have a single to London, please.
11
a
12
one only:

Examples:

A single customer was left in the shop.
13
A single bed is a bed for one person.
14
considered by itself or separate from other things:

Examples:

Taxes are the single most important source of funds for the government.
15
not married:

Examples:

He’s been single for so long, I don’t think he’ll ever marry.
16
A single is a one-dollar bill.
17
A single is also a room for only one person.
18
a person who is not married:

Examples:

Singles pay more in income tax than married people do.
19
one only:

Examples:

Journalism often relies on a single source.
Is a thread of e-mails a single document or many?
a single use card
20
travelling or allowing travel in only one direction:

Examples:

a single fare/ticket/journey
21
a ticket for a journey to a place, but not back again:

Examples:

single to somewhere A single to London, please.
22
a piece of paper money worth one dollar

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