singly

American  

[sing-glee] / ˈsɪŋ gli /

adverb

1. apart from others; separately.

2. one at a time; as single units.

3. singlehanded; alone.

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singly British  

/ ˈsɪŋɡlɪ /

adverb

1. one at a time; one by one

2. apart from others; separately; alone

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Etymology

Origin of singly

First recorded in 1250–1300, singly is from the Middle English word senglely. See single, -ly

Example Sentences

Our catastrophes used to come at us singly: one earthquake at a time, one flood at a time, one economy-busting drought or recession at a time.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2025

Extracellular, doubly charged copper ions are reduced to singly charged copper, transported into the cell, stored in pools, and transferred to the biomolecules that require them on demand.

From Science Daily • Nov. 20, 2024

But change fees will be eliminated for passengers in the other three groups, who will also be able to buy extras such as seat selection and bringing a carry-on bag in bundles instead of singly.

From Seattle Times • May 17, 2024

The report lists several options likely being offered to Mr. Xi singly or in combination, with varying degrees of risk for the ruling Chinese Communist Party.

From Washington Times • Oct. 23, 2023

These causes do not operate singly, and as a rule all four of them are present in some degree.

From "1984" by George Orwell