loner

[loh-ner]

noun

1. a person who is or prefers to be alone, especially one who avoids the company of others.

   He was always a loner—no one knew him well.

loner

/ ˈləʊnə /

noun

1. informal,  a person or animal who avoids the company of others or prefers to be alone

Word History and Origins

Origin of loner¹

First recorded in 1945–50; lone + -er ¹

Example Sentences

"I was definitely a loner at school", she says, explaining she was bullied.

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On the A-List I don’t want you to think I’m a loner, but if I’m ever doing things alone, it’s more often going to be on a Sunday.

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The stereotype of today’s teenagers as anxious loners hunched over their phones is limiting and inaccurate, she said, as four fellow volunteers nodded in agreement.

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“To be honest myself, I was pretty much a loner too. I always had the fears of coming out, or my family finding out. I found myself there.”

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Laconic, cocky, stubborn and unapologetic, he’s a loner in a sport that requires teamwork.

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Related Words

• hermit 
• outsider