single

single [siŋ′gəl]

adj.

[ME < OFr sengle < L singulus, single: for IE base see SIMPLE]

1.

a) one only; one and no more; individual

b) separate and distinct from others of the same kind [every single time]

2. without another or others; alone; solitary

3. of or for one person, as a bed or room, or one family, as a house

4. between two persons only; with only one on each side [single combat]

5.

a) unmarried

b) of or characteristic of the unmarried state

6. having only one part; not double, compound, multiple, etc.

7. the same for all; uniform [a single scale of pay]

8. being a whole, or unbroken [forming a single front]

9. having only one row or set of petals: said of flowers

10. honest; sincere

11. seeing justly [to judge with a single eye]

12. Rare unique; singular

13. Archaic weak; inferior: said of beer, ale, etc.

vt.

singled, singling

1. to select or distinguish from others: now usually with out

☆ 2. Baseball to advance (a runner) by hitting a single

vi.

☆ Baseball to hit a single

n.

1. a single person or thing; specif.,

a) a hotel room, travel space, etc. for one person

b) [pl.] unmarried people collectively

☆ c) Informal a one-dollar bill

d) Informal a phonograph record, usually recorded at 45 rpm, with one short performance on each side

☆ 2. Baseball a hit on which the batter reaches first base

3. Cricket a hit by which one run is scored

4. Golf a match between two players

5. [pl.] Racket Sports a match with only one player on each side

singleness

n.