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lone

adjective
\ ˈlōn How to pronounce lone (audio) \

Definition of lone

1a : having no company : solitary
b : preferring solitude
2 : only, sole
3 : situated by itself : isolated
Other Words from lone Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about lone

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Other Words from lone

loneness \ ˈlōn-​nəs How to pronounce loneness (audio) \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for lone

alone, solitary, lonely, lonesome, lone, forlorn, desolate mean isolated from others. alone stresses the objective fact of being by oneself with slighter notion of emotional involvement than most of the remaining terms. everyone needs to be alone sometimes solitary may indicate isolation as a chosen course glorying in the calm of her solitary life but more often it suggests sadness and a sense of loss. left solitary by the death of his wife lonely adds to solitary a suggestion of longing for companionship. felt lonely and forsaken lonesome heightens the suggestion of sadness and poignancy. an only child often leads a lonesome life lone may replace lonely or lonesome but typically is as objective as alone. a lone robin pecking at the lawn forlorn stresses dejection, woe, and listlessness at separation from one held dear. a forlorn lost child desolate implies inconsolable grief at loss or bereavement. desolate after her brother's death

Examples of lone in a Sentence

the lone ripe apple in the entire bag just one lone cow in the middle of the field

Recent Examples on the Web

 The rise of anti-migrant nationalists, including Donald Trump in the United States, Matteo Salvini in Italy and Victor Orban in Hungary, often left him sounding like a lone voice in a populist wilderness. — Jason Horowitz, New York Times, "Pope Francis Goes to Africa, With Renewed Focus on Poverty and Climate," 4 Sep. 2019 Mikulak is the lone member of the 2016 Olympic team who hasn’t retired, though alternates Akash Modi and Baltimore native Donnell Whittenburg are still in the mix. — Will Graves, baltimoresun.com, "Sam Mikulak cruises to sixth U.S. title in men’s gymnastics; Baltimore’s Donnell Whittenburg places seventh," 11 Aug. 2019 Multi-platinum artist Ms. Lauryn Hill rose to prominence as the lone female member of The Fugees, one of the biggest selling hip-hop acts in the world. — Taylor Mims, Billboard, "Ms. Lauryn Hill and H.E.R. to Play Hollywood Bowl for One Night Only," 6 Aug. 2019 The lone voice of reason belongs to new recruit Starlight (Erin Moriarity), an actual do-gooder who chafes at Vought's corporatized kayfabe. — Peter Rubin, WIRED, "Amazon's The Boys Tests the Limits of Superhero Fatigue," 26 July 2019 Not a happy camper: Rep. Jack Cera, a Belmont County Democrat, was the lone conference committee member to vote no on the budget deal. — Andrew J. Tobias, cleveland.com, "Ohio’s budget stalemate is finally coming to an end: Capitol Letter," 17 July 2019 Bruce Bailey, who represents the area, was the lone council member to vote against the proposal. — Elliot Hughes, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Greenfield OKs a controversial commercial development over the objections of nearby residents," 19 June 2019 As a councilman, Leone proudly went against the grain; often the council's lone dissenting voice. — Joshua Bowling, azcentral, "Six-term Peoria City Councilman Carlo Leone dies at 84 just months after resignation," 19 June 2019 In her latest thriller, Ms. Tursten turns the spotlight on 28-year-old Embla Nyström, a welterweight Nordic boxer and the lone female member of a mobile police trio supporting local cops in areas near Gothenburg. — Tom Nolan, WSJ, "Mysteries: The Criminal Who Preys on the Past," 22 Mar. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lone.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of lone

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for lone

Middle English, short for alone

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More Definitions for lone

lone

adjective
How to pronounce lone (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of lone

: standing, acting, or being alone
British : not having a partner (such as a husband or wife)

See the full definition for lone in the English Language Learners Dictionary

lone

adjective
\ ˈlōn How to pronounce lone (audio) \

Kids Definition of lone

1 : having no companion a lone traveler
2 : situated by itself a lone outpost

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More from Merriam-Webster on lone

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with lone

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lone

Spanish Central: Translation of lone

Nglish: Translation of lone for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of lone for Arabic Speakers

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