solo

1 of 4

noun

so·​lo ˈsō-(ˌ)lō 

plural solos

1

or plural soli ˈsō-(ˌ)lē 

a

: a musical composition for a single voice or instrument with or without accompaniment

b

: the featured part of a concerto or similar work

2

: a performance in which the performer has no partner or associate : something undertaken or done alone

a student pilot's first solo

3

: any of several card games in which a player elects to play without a partner against the other players

solo

2 of 4

adverb

: without a companion : alone

fly solo

solo

3 of 4

adjective

1

: accommodating one person

a solo canoe

2

: of, relating to, or being a solo

a solo performance

a solo flight

3

: hit with no runners on base

a solo home run

solo

4 of 4

verb

soloed; soloing ˈsō-(ˌ)lō-iŋ 

-lə-wiŋ

intransitive verb

: to perform by oneself: such as

a

: to perform a musical solo

b

: to fly an airplane without one's instructor on board

transitive verb

1

: to fly (an aircraft) alone

2

: to climb (something, such as a mountain) alone

Synonyms of solo

Adjective

• single
• lone
• lonely
• solitary
• unaccompanied
• alone

Examples of solo in a Sentence

Noun

She is learning to fly and she flew her first solo yesterday.

Adjective

a student pilot's first solo flight

She left the band last year and started a solo career.

He just issued his first solo album.

Verb

The guitarist solos on practically every song.

She soloed for the first time yesterday.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Formerly known as Heeseung of ENHYPEN, EVAN is showing another side to himself as a solo artist, redefining his sound and stage presence. — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026

Wood’s solo, punctuated by Jagger’s falsetto, delivers just the right amount of tenderness and soul. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 July 2026

Adverb

On July 3, Kelsey Pfendler became the fastest person to row solo from California to Hawaii, completing the 2,400-mile crossing in 43 days. — Kim Elsesser, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Aviator Wiley Post became the first person to fly solo around the world, flying from and returning to Floyd Bennett Field in New York City. — USA Today, 7 July 2026

Adjective

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the PG-13 film chronicles Jackson's journey from the Jackson Five to his solo superstardom, concluding with his 1998 Bad tour. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Unlike Russell, whose legacy has been beautifully maintained in books, films, and re-releases, Hall’s solo work has only been available as a series of rarities and independent releases. — Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026

Verb

The Danish rider soloed to victory at the end of the tough 16th stage of the Giro d’Italia to extend his overall lead to more than four minutes on Tuesday. — ABC News, 26 May 2026

Rooms With nearly 780 guest rooms and more than 30 suites, accommodations are meant to provide comfort and flexibility for all types of travelers, from families and groups to solo travelers and couples. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Italian, from solo alone, from Latin solus

First Known Use

Noun

1695, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

1712, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1774, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1886, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Phrases Containing solo

• free-solo
• solo home run

Rhymes for solo

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau

Kids Definition

solo

1 of 3 noun

so·​lo ˈsō-lō 

plural solos

1

or plural soli ˈsō-lē  : a piece of music written to be performed by one voice or one instrument

2

: an action in which there is only one performer

solo

2 of 3 adverb or adjective

: without a companion : alone

solo

3 of 3 verb

soloed; soloing

-(ˌ)lō-iŋ, 

-lə-wiŋ

: to perform by oneself

especially : to fly an airplane without one's instructor

Etymology

Noun

from Italian solo "a part in music performed without accompaniment," from solo (adjective) "alone," from Latin solus "alone" — related to desolate, sole entry 4, solitude