singleton: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, technical (context-dependent). Common in specific domains like computing, card games, and sociology.
Quick answer
What does “singleton” mean?
A single person or thing, particularly one that is the only one of its kind within a specific context.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A single person or thing, particularly one that is the only one of its kind within a specific context.
1) In card games (especially poker or contract bridge), a singleton is a card that is the only one of its suit in a player's hand. 2) In computing/programming, a design pattern that restricts the instantiation of a class to a single object. 3) In demography/sociology, a person who lives alone or who is not in a long-term relationship. 4) In childbirth, a single baby born in a pregnancy, as opposed to twins or multiples.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically across domains in both varieties.
Connotations
In the social/demographic sense ('a person living alone'), it is a neutral, slightly formal term. It does not carry the same potentially negative or pitying connotations as 'loner' or 'spinster/bachelor' in certain contexts.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English in the social/demographic sense due to its use in official statistics and media discussions about living arrangements.
Grammar
How to Use “singleton” in a Sentence
[singleton] + [of] + [noun] (e.g., a singleton of hearts)[be/become/live as] + [a] + [singleton][verb] + [as/into] + [a] + [singleton] (e.g., coded as a singleton)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “singleton” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The singleton pattern is crucial for the resource manager.
- She opted for a singleton pregnancy after IVF treatment.
American English
- Make sure that class is implemented as a singleton.
- Singleton births are more common than multiples.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in project management to denote a unique deliverable.
Academic
Common in computer science papers (design patterns), sociological studies (living arrangements), and medical literature (birth outcomes).
Everyday
Understood in card games. The social sense is known but not highly frequent in casual chat.
Technical
Highly frequent and precise in computing (software design) and medicine/obstetrics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “singleton”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “singleton”
- Using 'singleton' to mean 'simple' or 'easy'.
- Confusing 'singleton' (technical/specific) with the more general 'single'.
- Misspelling as 'singletown' or 'singelton'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a neutral, formal demographic term. It is less emotionally loaded than terms like 'spinster' or 'confirmed bachelor'.
No, 'singleton' is exclusively a noun or, in technical contexts, can function attributively as an adjective (e.g., singleton class). It is not used as a verb.
In software engineering, referring to the 'singleton pattern', a fundamental design pattern that ensures only one instance of a class exists.
Yes, the standard plural is 'singletons' (e.g., 'Most pregnancies result in singletons').
A single person or thing, particularly one that is the only one of its kind within a specific context.
Singleton is usually formal, technical (context-dependent). common in specific domains like computing, card games, and sociology. in register.
Singleton: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪŋɡ(ə)lt(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪŋɡəltən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms featuring 'singleton']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SINGle alTON (a heavy weight) – one single, heavy, notable thing standing alone.
Conceptual Metaphor
ISOLATION IS BEING A SINGLE UNIT (The singleton is conceptually separated from groups or pairs.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'singleton' MOST LIKELY refer to a person?