single
sin·gle / ˈsinggəl/ • adj. 1. only one; not one of several: a single red rose | the kingdom was ruled over by a single family. ∎ regarded separately or as distinct from each other or others in a group: she wrote down every single word it’s our single most popular beach. ∎ even one (used for emphasis): they didn't receive a single reply. ∎ designed or suitable for one person: a single bed. ∎ archaic not accompanied or supported by others; alone.2. unmarried or not involved in a stable sexual relationship: a single mother.3. consisting of one part: the studio was a single large room. ∎ (of a flower) having only one whorl of petals. ∎ denoting an alcoholic drink that consists of one measure of liquor: a single whiskey.4. archaic free from duplicity or deceit; ingenuous: a pure and single heart.• n. 1. an individual person or thing rather than part of a pair or a group. ∎ a short record with one song on each side. ∎ (singles) people who are unmarried or not involved in a stable sexual relationship: [as adj.] a singles bar. ∎ a bedroom, esp. in a hotel, that is suitable for one person. ∎ a single measure of liquor. ∎ inf. a one-dollar bill.2. Baseball a hit that allows the batter to reach first base safely.3. (singles) (esp. in tennis and badminton) a game or competition for individual players, not pairs or teams.• v. [tr.] 1. (single someone/something out) choose someone or something from a group for special treatment: one newspaper was singled out for criticism.2. [intr.] Baseball hit a single: Aaron singled to center. ∎ (single in) [tr.] cause (a run) to be scored by hitting a single: they each singled in a run. ∎ [tr.] advance (a runner) by hitting a single.DERIVATIVES: sin·gle·ness n.sin·gly / -glē/ adv.
single
Hence single vb. separate, pick out. XVI. singlet (-ET) unlined undergarment for the trunk. XVIII. singleton (-TON) a single card of a suit in the hand. XIX. singly (-LY2) XIII.