single parent

¹

noun

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

   Being a single parent isn’t easy.

single-parent

²

[sing-guhl-pair-uhnt, ‐-par-uhnt]

adjective

1. of or noting a family in which a parent brings up a child or children alone, without a partner: a single-parent household.

   a single-parent family;

   a single-parent household.

single parent

noun

1. Also called (NZ): solo parent. 

   1. a person who has a dependent child or dependent children and who is widowed, divorced, or unmarried

   2. ( as modifier )

      a single-parent family

Word History and Origins

Origin of single parent¹

First recorded in 1850–60

Origin of single parent²

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

As a widowed father, the clutter built up as Craig focused on raising the girls as a single parent.

From BBC

In truth, however, not a single parent requested their child’s return, and many were not prepared to take them in if they suddenly arrived on their doorstep.

From Slate

About 120,000 pupils receive the clothing grant but Jen, a single parent who lives in Balloch with her 10-year-old son, says she is angry and frustrated that she does not qualify.

From BBC

Victoria Henstridge, a single parent who works at a nearby special school, said the larder saved her significant amounts of money and was a huge help to her family.

From BBC

A single parent, his life descended into further chaos when he became homeless with his six-year-old son in tow.

From BBC