singular Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the form of a word that is used to denote a singleton
    singular form.
  2. adjective satellite unusual or striking
    remarkable.
    • a remarkable sight
    • such poise is singular in one so young
  3. adjective satellite beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
    funny; rum; queer; curious; odd; peculiar; rummy.
    • a curious hybrid accent
    • her speech has a funny twang
    • they have some funny ideas about war
    • had an odd name
    • the peculiar aromatic odor of cloves
    • something definitely queer about this town
    • what a rum fellow
    • singular behavior
  4. adjective satellite being a single and separate person or thing
    • can the singular person be understood apart from his culture?
    • every fact in the world might be singular...unlike any other fact and sole of its kind"-William James
  5. adjective composed of one member, set, or kind
  6. adjective grammatical number category referring to a single item or unit
  7. adjective satellite the single one of its kind
    unique.
    • a singular example
    • the unique existing example of Donne's handwriting
    • a unique copy of an ancient manuscript
    • certain types of problems have unique solutions

WordNet

Sin"gu*lar adjective
Etymology
OE. singuler, F. singulier, fr. L. singularius, singularis, fr. singulus single. See Single, a.
Definitions
  1. Separate or apart from others; single; distinct. Obs. Bacon.
    And God forbid that all a company Should rue a singular man's folly. Chaucer.
  2. Engaged in by only one on a side; single. Obs.
    To try the matter thus together in a singular combat. Holinshed.
  3. (Logic) Existing by itself; single; individual.
    The idea which represents one . . . determinate thing, is called a singular idea, whether simple, complex, or compound. I. Watts.
  4. (Law) Each; individual; as, to convey several parcels of land, all and singular.
  5. (Gram.) Denoting one person or thing; as, the singular number; -- opposed to dual and plural.
  6. Standing by itself; out of the ordinary course; unusual; uncommon; strange; as, a singular phenomenon.
    So singular a sadness Must have a cause as strange as the effect. Denham.
  7. Distinguished as existing in a very high degree; rarely equaled; eminent; extraordinary; exceptional; as, a man of singular gravity or attainments.
  8. Departing from general usage or expectations; odd; whimsical; -- often implying disapproval or consure.
    His zeal None seconded, as out of season judged, Or singular and rash. Milton.
    To be singular in anything that is wise and worthy, is not a disparagement, but a praise. Tillotson.
  9. Being alone; belonging to, or being, that of which there is but one; unique.
    These busts of the emperors and empresses are all very scarce, and some of them almost singular in their kind. Addison.
    Syn. -- Unexampled; unprecedented; eminent; extraordinary; remarkable; uncommon; rare; unusual; peculiar; strange; odd; eccentric; fantastic.
Sin"gu*lar noun
Definitions
  1. An individual instance; a particular. Obs. Dr. H. More.
  2. (Gram) The singular number, or the number denoting one person or thing; a word in the singular number.

Webster 1913