loner

American  

[loh-ner] / ˈloʊ nər /

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.

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loner British  

/ ˈləʊnə /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of loner

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

Example Sentences

"All the rest of us know each other by name. He just kept out of the picture. He was a bit of a loner, no one was talking to him."

From BBC

In the before times, it appears he was a self-sufficient loner.

From Los Angeles Times

She has a knack for heightening moments and introducing characters that range from sad, weird loners to shifty and overconfident schemers.

From Los Angeles Times

Many people picture a successful entrepreneur as a loner—a sole proprietor who comes up with an idea and works alone to make it a reality.

From The Wall Street Journal

While Jimmie had been very social and outgoing, Jim was a bit bashful, a loner, very quiet, and liked to read.

From Literature

Related Words

• hermit
• outsider