singular

adjective

sin·gu·lar | \ ˈsiŋ-gyə-lər

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

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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

Merrill, who announced his candidacy last week, said the singular goal for McConnell and Shelby is to make sure the Republicans nominate someone who can win in November. — al.com, "In 2020 Senate race, Roy Moore once again squares off with Senate Leadership Fund," 7 July 2019 That unapologetic path of singular talents who joyfully swim in the moment? — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: Whiff of sexism surrounds critiques of U.S. women’s soccer," 5 July 2019 Journalist George Bronson Rea, ever alert to fakes and also a trained engineer, was singular in his outright dispute of this finding. — John Maxwell Hamilton, National Geographic, "In a battle for readers, two media barons sparked a war in the 1890s," 16 Apr. 2019 At this point, my singular goal in life is to go on The Late Show and teach Stephen Colbert how to walk in high heels. — Tyler Ford, Teen Vogue, "Jacob Tobia on Their Forthcoming "Coming-of-Gender" Memoir Titled Sissy," 29 Aug. 2018 The success of his progeny like Post Malone proves this approach isn’t singular to him, either. — Dj Louie Xiv, Vanities, "Has 2018 Killed the Pop Star?," 22 June 2018 The facility, which will be located in the former Eastwood Manor subdivision off 50th Street North, will give car rental agencies a singular place to wash and perform maintenance on vehicles. — Erin Edgemon, AL.com, "Former subdivision near Birmingham airport to be razed for new facility," 22 Feb. 2018 He’d been lifted in the polls — and into television green rooms — by his gifts as a communicator and by his singular biography as an openly gay veteran who reads James Joyce and speaks several languages. — Matt Pearce, latimes.com, "Black residents of South Bend unload on Mayor Pete Buttigieg," 23 June 2019 He’d been lifted in the polls — and into television green rooms — by his gifts as a communicator and by his singular biography as an openly gay veteran who reads James Joyce and speaks several languages. — Matt Pearce, chicagotribune.com, "At chaotic town hall, Pete Buttigieg calls for outside investigation of fatal police shooting in South Bend," 23 June 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.