solitude

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noun sol·i·tude \ ˈsä-lə-ˌtüd , -ˌtyüd \

Definition of solitude

1 :the quality or state of being alone or remote from society :seclusion

2 :a lonely place (such as a desert)

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Examples of solitude in a Sentence

She wished to work on her novel in solitude.
He enjoyed the peace and solitude of the woods.

Recent Examples of solitude from the Web

Rallying Cry: Stepping into solitude doesn’t have to feel like isolation.

— bess matassa, Teen Vogue, "Weekly Horoscopes August Week 4," 19 Aug. 2017
In 2016, after four years of solitude, Frank Ocean released two albums out of the blue—the visual album Endless and his masterpiece Blonde.

— matt miller, Esquire, "Frank Ocean Has Figured Out How to Be a Live Musician," 29 July 2017
As with Shakespeare’s great cross-dressing comedies, a disguised women helps a man discover his heart, overcoming his self-regarding solitude to inhabit a more expansive definition of self.

— mike fischer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Humorous 'Heart of Robin Hood' has a touch of 'The Princess Bride'," 18 July 2017
Its capital, Santa Fe, has long been known for its desert spas and rich Native American culture, but the city has lately become a destination for urban dwellers craving a little peace, solitude, and otherworldly scenery.

— emily farra, Vogue, "Visvim Opens Its First Women’s Store in—Wait for It!—Santa Fe," 17 July 2017
With the must-have $1900 air springs and adjustable dampers, the Benz wafts down the road on a magic carpet of comfort and solitude.

— alexander stoklosa, Car and Driver, "2017 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Wagon," 12 July 2017
This solitude and fear of the outside world led to an addiction to pain medication.

— kelli bender, PEOPLE.com, "This Patriotic Hero Pup Deserves to Be Celebrated on the Fourth of July," 4 July 2017
Charles believes in community interaction with opportunities for a balance of personal privacy and solitude, which a successful cohousing neighborhood provides.

— jill sell, cleveland.com, "Experts discuss cohousing in northeast Ohio," 24 June 2017
That solitude can be hard for those who are sociable, Aiello says.

— Washington Post, "Are you cut out for a work-from-home job?," 22 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'solitude.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of solitude

Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin solitudin-, solitudo, from solus

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

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solitude Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of solitude

solitude, isolation, seclusion mean the state of one who is alone. solitude may imply a condition of being apart from all human beings or of being cut off by wish or circumstances from one's usual associates.