easy
Child is singular, while children is plural.
What does Singular mean?
Singular usually means a grammar form for one; it can also mean single, unusual, or exceptional.
Dictionary definition
In grammar, singular describes a word form used for one person, thing, or instance, and the noun singular names that grammatical form. Singular can also mean single or individual, and in more formal writing it can mean unusual, exceptional, or distinctive. In advanced mathematics, a singular square matrix has no inverse.
Example sentences
Singular in a sentence
medium
The singular subject “one puppy” takes the verb is in “One puppy is sleeping.”
medium
The committee kept a singular focus on making the playground accessible.
hard
Reviewers praised the illustrator for her singular style.
hard
In advanced algebra, a singular matrix cannot be inverted.
Writing practice
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Practice the meaning of Singular
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
Which word is singular?
Mouse refers to one animal; the other choices are plural forms.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses singular to mean exceptional or distinctive?
Here singular praises the gift as remarkable or distinctive.
Practice 3
What does singular mean in “this singular noun” ?
In grammar, singular contrasts with plural and normally indicates one referent or instance.
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Singular
Voice settings
Sounds like
sing · gyuh · ler · strongest beat: sing
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordSingular.
Partadjective, noun.
MeaningSingular means Singular usually means a grammar form for one; it can also mean single, unusual, or exceptional.
ExampleExample: Child is singular, while children is plural.
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- sing · gyuh · ler
- Strongest beat
- sing
- Ending
- ler
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on sing.
Your turn
Say Singular
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Nice work—you practiced singular.
Synonyms
Words like Singular
singleClose when singular means one or considered individually.
individualClose when referring to one separate person or thing.
unusualClose in the formal sense of out of the ordinary.
exceptionalClose when singular praises something as remarkable.
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice singular synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The singular design was unlike any other poster," then compare close word choices. Practice singular synonyms.
Word family
Singular word family
Base word
singular
noun
singulars
More than one singular form or item.
adverb
singularly
In an unusual, remarkable, or individual way.
noun
singularity
The state of being singular; also a specialized term in mathematics, physics, and technology.
verb
singularize
To make or treat as singular; a rare technical language term.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Singular
Hint for students
In grammar, singular normally points to one. Check the noun or pronoun and the verb form together.
Common mix-up
Singular is not always a noun and does not always mean exactly one in every technical context. It is commonly an adjective, can mean unusual or exceptional, and singular they refers to one person while using the form they.
Try it in class or at home
Students sort noun and verb cards into singular and plural pairs, build agreement-correct sentences, then identify one example where singular means distinctive rather than grammatical number.
Teacher prompt
Compare “The bird sings” and “The birds sing.” Which words change, and how does grammatical number control subject–verb agreement?
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Learning activities
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