Back to Report
single · adjective /ˈsɪŋ.gəl/Full view
Nouns: single, singles, singular
Adjectives: single, singular
Verbs: single
Adverbs: singly, singularly
single (NOT MARRIED)
A2 not married
Dictionary examples:

a single woman/man/person

He's been single for so long now, I don't think he'll ever marry.

Learner example:

He's 25 years [old] and single. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Arabic)

single (FOR ONE)
A2 always before noun for only one person
Dictionary examples:

a single bed

a single room

Learner example:

I [am] sell[ing] a single bed. (Key English Test; A2; Italian)

single parent
B1 someone who has a child or children, but no wife or husband living with them
Dictionary examples:

Many single parents find it difficult to arrange for child care.

single-parent families

Learner example:

She's a single parent, with 3 children from Australia. (Preliminary English Test; B1; French)

every single
B1 used to emphasize that you are talking about each one of a group or series
Dictionary examples:

I call him every single day.

The decision affected every single one of them.

Learner example:

But we used to play together every single day! (Preliminary English Test; B1; Japanese)

single (ONE)
B2 always before noun only one
Dictionary examples:

There was a single light in the corner of the room.

Not a single person offered to help her.

You haven't been listening to a single word I've been saying.

Learner example:

The night was calm and not a single sound was disturbing her. (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

single · noun C /ˈsɪŋ.gəl/
Nouns: single, singles, singular
Adjectives: single, singular
Verbs: single
Adverbs: singly, singularly

Cambridge logo