single father

American  

Informal, single dad

noun

1. a father who brings up a child or children alone, without a partner.

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Etymology

Origin of single father

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Though not as rare as having a gold medal, becoming a single father via surrogacy is a pretty select distinction—so select, in fact, that it’s hard to ascertain the exact numbers.

From Slate • Feb. 23, 2026

California surrogacy agency owner Joy Millan said she was approached by a single father in China seeking to hire four surrogates.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 14, 2025

In South Whittier, Adrian’s school was having a difficult time connecting with his single father, who was juggling work and parenting.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 26, 2025

Ieuan Hood, a single father of three, is meticulous when it comes to his finances - he knows where every penny is going.

From BBC • May 21, 2025

Behind Gregor the sound was at this point no longer like the voice of only a single father.

From "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka