singularity

noun

sin·​gu·​lar·​i·​ty ˌsiŋ-gyə-ˈler-ə-tē How to pronounce singularity (audio)
-ˈla-rə-
plural singularities
1
: something that is singular: such as
a
: a separate unit
b
: unusual or distinctive manner or behavior : peculiarity
2
: the quality or state of being singular
3
: a point at which the derivative of a given function of a complex variable does not exist but every neighborhood of which contains points for which the derivative does exist
4
: a point or region of infinite mass density at which space and time are infinitely distorted by gravitational forces and which is held to be the final state of matter falling into a black hole

Examples of singularity in a Sentence

People could not understand the singularity of his imagination. a college professor with singularities of dress and speech that have long endeared him to his students
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That doesn't mean those theories are any closer to answering the singularity puzzle, however. Robert Lea, Space.com, 11 June 2025 But do these phenomena truly represent space-time singularities? Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 27 May 2025 The picture plays at Stitch’s pace, every scene an exercise in chaos — which counterintuitively undoes this destroy-everything-in-sight teddy bear’s singularity. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 May 2025 Although some observers critique their varying quality, the lack of consensus emphasizes the singularity of each of these efforts. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for singularity

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of singularity was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Singularity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/singularity. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

singularity

noun
sin·​gu·​lar·​i·​ty ˌsiŋ-gyə-ˈlar-ət-ē How to pronounce singularity (audio)
plural singularities
1
: the quality or state of being singular
2
: something that is singular : peculiarity
3
: a point or region of infinite density which is held to be the final state of matter falling into a black hole

More from Merriam-Webster on singularity

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