singular

singulars

If something is extraordinary, remarkable, or one of a kind, you can say it is singular. A singular opportunity to sing onstage with a rock star is a remarkable opportunity.

Seeing the single inside singular can help you understand its meaning in the sense of one. In grammar, singular means one, as opposed to plural, which means more than one. But singular’s not always––or singularly––about being unique. Walking through a foggy cemetery might give you a singular feeling––or a feeling that’s odd and peculiar––that ghosts could possibly be real.

Definitions of singular
  1. adjective
    being a single and separate person or thing
    “can the singular person be understood apart from his culture?”
    “"every fact in the world might be singular...unlike any other fact and sole of its kind"-William James”
    Synonyms:
    individual, single
    being or characteristic of a single thing or person
  2. adjective
    composed of one member, set, or kind
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    Antonyms:
    plural
    composed of more than one member, set, or kind
  3. adjective
    the single one of its kind
    “a singular example”
    synonyms: unique
    single
    existing alone or consisting of one entity or part or aspect or individual
  4. adjective
    unusual or striking
    “such poise is singular in one so young”
    synonyms: remarkable
    extraordinary
    beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable
  5. adjective
    beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
    “singular behavior”
    synonyms: curious, funny, odd, peculiar, queer, rum, rummy
    strange, unusual
    being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
  6. adjective
    grammatical number category referring to a single item or unit
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    Antonyms:
    plural
    grammatical number category referring to two or more items or units
    dual
    a grammatical number category referring to two items or units as opposed to one item (singular) or more than two items (plural)
    show more antonyms...
  7. noun
    the form of a word that is used to denote a singleton
    synonyms: singular form
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    Antonyms:
    plural, plural form
    the form of a word that is used to denote more than one
    type of:
    descriptor, form, signifier, word form
    the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘singular'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing singular

Warm-up, List 1

This list of warm-up words features common words on the test that you're probably familiar with. Brush up on these words first to make sure that you start off strong while taking the GRE.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Mark Twain

This American classic chronicles the exploits of Huck and Jim: one is running away from an abusive father and the other is fleeing enslavement. Read the full text here.

Anya and the Nightingale
Sofiya Pasternack

Anya, Ivan, and the magical dragon set out on a mission to bring Anya's father home from war, but during their journey, they encounter the Nightingale — a monster who is terrorizing travelers in the forest.

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