singles

word · lemma: single

/ˈsɪŋɡəɫz/
SING-uhlz
/sˈɪŋɡəlz/
SING-uhlz

Definition

'Singles' can refer to people who are not married or in a romantic relationship, individual songs released separately from an album, or one-on-one matches in sports like tennis or badminton.

Usage & Nuances

Informal in the context of relationships ('singles event'), but standard in sports ('men's singles') and music ('hit singles'). In music, 'single' means a song, not a person. Be careful not to confuse meanings in the wrong context.

Example Sentences

She likes listening to pop singles on the radio.

basic

Most of my friends are singles, so we often travel together.

natural

The artist’s latest three singles topped the charts.

natural

I prefer playing singles to doubles in badminton.

natural

They play singles in the tennis tournament.

basic

There will be a party for singles on Friday night.

basic