1 singular | Definition of singular
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

singular

adjective
sin·​gu·​lar | \ ˈsiƋ-gyə-lər How to pronounce singular (audio) \

Definition of singular

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : of or relating to a separate person or thing : individual
b : of, relating to, or being a word form denoting one person, thing, or instance a singular noun
c : of or relating to a single instance or to something considered by itself
2 : distinguished by superiority : exceptional an artist of singular attainments
3 : being out of the ordinary : unusual on the way home we had a singular adventure
4 : departing from general usage or expectation : peculiar, odd the air had a singular chill
5a of a matrix : having a determinant equal to zero
b of a linear transformation : having the property that the matrix of coefficients of the new variables has a determinant equal to zero

singular

noun

Definition of singular (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : the singular number, the inflectional form denoting it, or a word in that form
2 : a singular term
Other Words from singular Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about singular

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from singular

Adjective

singularly adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for singular

Adjective

strange, singular, unique, peculiar, eccentric, erratic, odd, quaint, outlandish mean departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected. strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable. a journey filled with strange sights singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness. a singular feeling of impending disaster unique implies singularity and the fact of being without a known parallel. a career unique in the annals of science peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness. the peculiar status of America's first lady eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior. the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating. a friend's suddenly erratic behavior odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected. an odd sense of humor quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness. a quaint fishing village outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric. outlandish fashions of the time

Examples of singular in a Sentence

Adjective

 In the phrase “his car is red,” the word “car” is a singular noun. He had a singular appearance.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

 Particularly when 11 individuals are needed to coalesce into a singular unit. — Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan State's offense must show progress or risk losing fans — and a few games," 1 Sep. 2019 An important exception is a singular letter from Buchanan written to Cornelia Van Ness Roosevelt, wife of former congressman John J. Roosevelt of New York City. — Thomas Balcerski, Smithsonian, "The 175-Year History of Speculating About President James Buchanan’s Bachelorhood," 28 Aug. 2019 Like singular La Cocina trailblazers Reem Assil and Nite Yun, Eusope is one to watch. — Jessica Yadegaran, The Mercury News, "5 incredible SF Bay Area restaurants from La Cocina kitchen incubator," 24 Aug. 2019 Known for their manipulation of baroque pearls—which are imperfect in shape and color, but suggest a deep, naturalistic beauty—the Levys have built their life on that singular gem, and have used their craft to help others along the way. — Liz Cantrell, Town & Country, "This Jewelry House Has Built a Loyal Following Based on Pearls and Philanthropy," 20 Aug. 2019 Purple Mountains listening memorial at Black Cat: The music world lost one of its most singular voices last Wednesday when David Berman died. — Washington Post, "12 things to do in the D.C. area this week," 12 Aug. 2019 Beyond basketball, the Warriors found a singular voice willing to take on social issues outside of sports. — Sean Gregory/oakland, Time, "The Golden State Warriors Revolutionized the NBA. Now They Plan to Keep the Dynasty Dream Alive," 20 June 2019 The three letters mean different words to different people, but all agree on a definition so ingrained in a singular mindset that the players should slap those letters on their helmets. — Los Angeles Times, "Column: Paradise High football program finds healing among the ashes of the Camp fire," 19 Aug. 2019 Even if the collective Patriot vibe from the outside is that of a pack of mercenaries, there is a pointed attempt at creating a singular heartbeat. — Conor Orr, SI.com, "Vic Fangio Is Bringing His Hometown Vibes to Denver," 19 Aug. 2019

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

See More

First Known Use of singular

Adjective

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

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for singular

Adjective

Middle English singuler, from Anglo-French, from Latin singularis, from singulus only one — more at single

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for singular

singular

adjective
How to pronounce singular (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of singular

grammar : showing or indicating no more than one thing
formal :

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!