singlet

American  

[sing-glit] / ˈsɪŋ glɪt /

noun

1. a sleeveless athletic jersey, especially a loose-fitting top worn by runners, joggers, etc.

2. a single unit; an unpaired or separate item.

3. Chiefly British. a man's undershirt or jersey.

---

singlet British  

/ ˈsɪŋɡlɪt /

noun

1. a man's sleeveless undergarment covering the body from the shoulders to the hips

2. Also called (in Britain): vest.  a similar sleeveless garment worn as outerwear

3. a garment worn with shorts by athletes, boxers, etc

4. a black woollen outer garment worn by bushmen

5. physics a multiplet that has only one member

6. chem a chemical bond consisting of one electron

---

Etymology

Origin of singlet

First recorded in 1740–50; single + -et

Example Sentences

"It's so exciting to get to play," he smiles, his team's name – Spiked and Served – emblazoned on his singlet.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

You knew he’d wear a sparkly disco singlet.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2025

A feast cooked up by UBC researchers has revealed singlet oxygen indoors for the first time.

From Science Daily • May 7, 2024

The singlet was not particularly radical: layered shades of white and Columbia’s signature shade, Pantone 292.

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2024

Master sat in an armchair, wearing a singlet and a pair of shorts.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie