individual

1 of 2

adjective

in·​di·​vid·​u·​al ˌin-də-ˈvi-jə-wəl How to pronounce individual (audio)
-ˈvij-wəl,
-ˈvi-jəl,
-ˈvi-jü-əl
1
a
: of, relating to, or distinctively associated with an individual
an individual effort
b
: intended for one person
an individual serving
c
: being an individual or existing as an indivisible whole
2
: having marked individuality
an individual style
3
: existing as a distinct entity : separate
4
obsolete : inseparable
individually adverb

individual

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: a particular being or thing as distinguished from a class, species, or collection: such as
(1)
: a single human being as contrasted with a social group or institution
a teacher who works with individuals
(2)
: a single organism as distinguished from a group
b
: a particular person
are you the individual I spoke with on the telephone?
2
: an indivisible entity
3
: the reference of a name or variable of the lowest logical type in a calculus
Choose the Right Synonym for individual

special, especial, specific, particular, individual mean of or relating to one thing or class.

special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own.

special ingredients

especial may add implications of preeminence or preference.

a matter of especial importance

specific implies a quality or character distinguishing a kind or a species.

children with specific nutritional needs

particular stresses the distinctness of something as an individual.

a ballet step of particular difficulty

individual implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group.

valued each individual opinion

characteristic, individual, peculiar, distinctive mean indicating a special quality or identity.

characteristic applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class.

responded with her characteristic wit

individual stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class.

a highly individual writing style

peculiar applies to qualities possessed only by a particular individual or class or kind and stresses rarity or uniqueness.

an eccentricity that is peculiar to the British

distinctive indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy.

a distinctive aura of grace and elegance

Examples of individual in a Sentence

Adjective What are the individual traits of the breed? The doctor carefully evaluates the individual needs of her patients. Students will receive as much individual attention as possible. She has a very individual style of writing. a pattern as individual as a fingerprint Noun They promote a philosophy that sacrifices the rights of the individual for the public welfare. They are both rather odd individuals. Are you the individual I spoke with on the telephone? She's a very talented individual. The markings on tigers are unique to each individual.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
In Tempe, individual developments have begun challenging the need for parking minimums. Corina Vanek, The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024 Fred Richard, youngest individual world medalist in U.S. history. Christopher Kuhagen, Journal Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2024 Right around now, premium members of the Church Choir fan club — around 40,000 in all — should each be receiving an envelope in their mailboxes containing an individual deed to Chief’s. Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2024 In November Lawrence residents will vote on whether to retain its current at-large voting system or move to individual districts. Katie Bernard, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2024 Searle was the network’s second-largest individual donor in 2020 and third-largest in 2019, tax forms show. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024 Both will be reevaluated in two weeks, the Hornets said, and that timeline extends into the middle of this month, putting the remainder of the season potentially in jeopardy for each depending on the length of their respective individual rehabs. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2024 Bluebonnets get their name from the flower’s individual bloom’s resemblance to the sunbonnets women wore to guard against the grueling Texas sun. David Montesino, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2024 Ohio has had plans to replace Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Correctional Facility, which has dorm-style housing, with a new prison with individual cells. Laura A. Bischoff, The Enquirer, 23 Feb. 2024
Noun
According to the Thai Customs Department, the individuals suspected of smuggling the animals violated several laws, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates the international trade of wild species of plants and animals. Catherine Nicholls, CNN, 7 Mar. 2024 That means individuals can't seek forgiveness of their own debts through Arizona's new program. Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 7 Mar. 2024 The individual then asked Ross for the address before calling for help. Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024 Salary and advancement can vary based on location, experience, specialization, and the individual’s business acumen. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 An individual must earn $96,500 a year before taxes to afford housing, groceries, transportation and entertainment, while also paying off debt and putting some money into savings, according to personal finance website SmartAsset. Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2024 Speakers shared their experiences navigating the industry as disabled individuals, highlighting the challenges faced and the need for industry-wide efforts to break down barriers and create more inclusive opportunities. Diego Ramos Bechara, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024 Officials here, as elsewhere, have long argued that the launchers, recognizable by their fluorescent green barrel, allow for more precise targeting of violent individuals and thereby reduce serious injuries. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Animal and mechanical behaviors merge metaphorically to represent the individual and society. Armond White, National Review, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'individual.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Medieval Latin individualis, from Latin individuus indivisible, from in- + dividuus divided, from dividere to divide

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of individual was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near individual

Cite this Entry

“Individual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/individual. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

individual

1 of 2 adjective
in·​di·​vid·​u·​al ˌin-də-ˈvij-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce individual (audio)
-ˈvij-əl
1
: of or relating to an individual
individual traits
2
: intended for one person
individual servings
3
: particular entry 1 sense 1, separate
individual copies
4
: having a special quality : distinct
an individual style
individually
adverb

individual

2 of 2 noun
1
: a single member of a class, species, or collection
2
: a single human being

More from Merriam-Webster on individual

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!