singly

adverb

sin·​gly ˈsiŋ-g(ə-)lē 

1

: without the company of others : individually

2

: single-handed

Synonyms of singly

• independently
• alone
• separately
• individually

Examples of singly in a Sentence

The birds can be seen singly or in groups.

either singly or with the cooperation of other nations, we must do something about this pressing environmental issue

Recent Examples on the Web

Use them singly as a specimen plant, clustered in a privacy screen, or naturalized along a wood line. —Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 21 Apr. 2026

The revolutionaries’ own internal divisions left them to face the Austrian invasion singly. —Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Mar. 2026

My own experience with night pests was at a time of utter exhaustion— too much work undertaken, interlocking circumstances that made the work twice as arduous, illness within and around— the old story of troubles never coming singly. —Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026

The flowers, which appear both singly and in clusters, display the classic hybrid tea form. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

singly

adverb

sin·​gly ˈsiŋ-g(ə-)lē 

1

: by or with oneself : individually

2

: in a single-handed manner