singleton

[ sing-guhl-tuhn ]

noun

1. a person or thing occurring singly, especially an individual set apart from others.
2. 1. a child or animal that is the only one born at one birth:

      a research program involving twins and singletons.

   2. an only child in a family.
3. Chiefly British. an unmarried person; a single.
4. Cards. a card that is the only one of a suit in a hand.
5. Mathematics. a set consisting of one given element.

singleton

/ ˈsɪŋɡəltən /

noun

1. bridge an original holding of one card only in a suit
2. a single object, individual, etc, separated or distinguished from a pair or group
3. maths a set containing only one member
4. a person who is neither married nor in a relationship

Word History and Origins

Origin of singleton¹

First recorded in 1875–80; single + -ton

Word History and Origins

Origin of singleton¹

C19: from single , on the model of simpleton

Example Sentences

The women were 30 years old on average, all 18 or older, and experiencing singleton pregnancies.

From Science Daily

As many singletons would confess, it’s hard out in these streets.

From Salon

America’s favorite singleton hadn’t been single since high school — and its favorite plucky careerist had, in truth, lost jobs for being pregnant or requesting a raise.

From New York Times

And thus, humanity has entered its singleton era, searching for life in a universe where we fear there is none.

From Washington Post

The drug was approved for women who had experienced a preterm singleton birth — one that does not involve twins or other multiples.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• child
• entity
• human being
• man
• party
• person
• woman