- 1[only before noun] only one He sent her a single red rose. a single-sex school (= for boys only or for girls only) All these jobs can now be done by one single machine. I couldn't understand a single word she said! the European single currency, the euro
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for emphasis - 2[only before noun] used to emphasize that you are referring to one particular person or thing on its own Unemployment is the single most important factor in the growing crime rates. We eat rice every single day.
- 3(of a person) not married or having a romantic relationship with someone The apartments are ideal for single people living alone. Are you still single? see single parent for one person
- 4[only before noun] intended to be used by only one person a single bed/room a single sheet (= large enough for a single bed) compare double Idioms
one
immediately; with only a quick look He could tell at a glance what was wrong.
(in) one line, one behind the other They made their way in single file along the cliff path.
Check pronunciation: single