single bond: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Specialized, Technical)Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “single bond” mean?
A covalent bond in which one pair of electrons is shared between two atoms.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A covalent bond in which one pair of electrons is shared between two atoms.
The simplest type of chemical bond, represented by a single line in structural formulas. In figurative usage, it can imply a weak, minimal, or preliminary connection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Spelling and pronunciation follow standard BrE/AmE conventions for the component words 'single' and 'bond'.
Connotations
Identical technical meaning. Potential metaphorical usage is equally rare in both varieties.
Frequency
Frequency is identical and confined to scientific/educational contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “single bond” in a Sentence
A single bond connects X and Y.There is a single bond between A and B.The molecule features a C–C single bond.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “single bond” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No standard verb form for 'single bond'.
American English
- No standard verb form for 'single bond'.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form.
American English
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The single-bond character of the linkage was confirmed.
- It's a single-bond interaction.
American English
- The single-bond character of the linkage was confirmed.
- It's a single-bond interaction.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Potentially in R&D reports for chemical/pharmaceutical companies.
Academic
Core terminology in chemistry textbooks, lectures, and research papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Only used by individuals discussing chemistry outside a professional setting.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Found in chemical engineering, materials science, biochemistry, and organic chemistry documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “single bond”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “single bond”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “single bond”
- Using 'single bond' to mean 'only bond' in a financial context (confusion with 'sole bond').
- Incorrect pluralisation as 'single bonds' when referring to multiple instances of the bond type is correct.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In most basic contexts, yes. All single bonds are sigma (σ) bonds. However, in double and triple bonds, the first bond is a sigma bond, with the additional bonds being pi (π) bonds.
Yes. If the two atoms sharing the electrons have different electronegativities (e.g., in an O-H bond), the single bond is a polar covalent bond.
In a structural formula, a single bond is represented by a single line ( – ) drawn between the atomic symbols, e.g., H–Cl.
It is extremely rare. You might encounter it as a deliberate metaphor in fields like network theory or sociology to describe a simple, one-to-one connection, but this is not standard.
A covalent bond in which one pair of electrons is shared between two atoms.
Single bond is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Single bond: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪŋ.ɡl ˈbɒnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪŋ.ɡl ˈbɑːnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No established idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SINGLE rope (BOND) tying two boats together—just one connection. In a formula, it's one line: C–C.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONNECTION IS A BOND (The fundamental metaphor); A WEAK/SIMPLE CONNECTION IS A SINGLE BOND (specific).
Practice
Quiz
How many electron pairs are shared in a single bond?