single

1 /'sINgFl/ adjective

1 ONE (only before noun) only one: A single tree gave shade from the sun. | They won the game by a single point. | Write your answer on a single sheet of paper. | not a single (=not even one): We didn't get a single reply to our advertisement.

2 SEPARATE (only before noun) considered on its own: the highest price ever paid for a single work of art | the single most/biggest/greatest etc: Cigarette smoking is the single most important cause of lung cancer. | The single biggest problem we face is apathy. | every single word/day etc: There's no need to write down every single word I say.

3 PEOPLE

a) not married: changes in the tax rate for single people

b) not involved in a romantic relationship: I never meet any attractive single men!

—see also: single parent

4 single bed/room etc meant for or used by one person only: You have to pay extra for a single room.

—compare double 1 (4)

5 NOT DOUBLE having only one part, quality etc, as opposed to having two or more: Use double, not single, thread to reinforce the seams. | A single flower has only one set of petals. | a single-sex school (=either for boys or for girls, but not both)

6 TICKET BrE a single ticket etc is for a trip from one place to another but not back again; one­way

—compare return 3, —see also: singly 2 noun (C)

1 a musical record that has only one short song on each side: Have you heard their latest single?

2

a) a single run 2 (17) in cricket (2)

b) a hit that allows the person who is hitting the ball to reach first base 1 (8) in baseball 1 (8)

3 singles a game, especially in tennis, played by one person against another: I prefer singles - you get more exercise. | Who won the women's singles?

—compare doubles double 2 (5) | singles bar/club/night (=a bar, club etc intended for people who are not married or involved in a romantic relationship)

4 BrE a ticket for a trip from one place to another but not back again: A single to Oxford, please.

—compare return 2 (9)

5 AmE a one dollar bill 1 (3): Anybody have five singles?

3 verb single sb/sth out phrasal verb (T) to choose someone or something from among a group of similar people or things, especially in order to praise them or criticize them: His article starts by singling out the five key goals of US foreign policy. | single sb out for praise/blame etc: The report singles out Mr Clarke and Mr Heseltine for special criticism.