singlet

American  

[sing-glit] / ˈsɪŋ glɪt /

noun

1. a sleeveless athletic jersey, especially a loose-fitting top worn by runners, joggers, etc.

2. a single unit; an unpaired or separate item.

3. Chiefly British. a man's undershirt or jersey.

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singlet British  

/ ˈsɪŋɡlɪt /

noun

1. a man's sleeveless undergarment covering the body from the shoulders to the hips

2. Also called (in Britain): vest.  a similar sleeveless garment worn as outerwear

3. a garment worn with shorts by athletes, boxers, etc

4. a black woollen outer garment worn by bushmen

5. physics a multiplet that has only one member

6. chem a chemical bond consisting of one electron

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Etymology

Origin of singlet

First recorded in 1740–50; single + -et

Example Sentences

"It's so exciting to get to play," he smiles, his team's name – Spiked and Served – emblazoned on his singlet.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

You knew he’d wear a sparkly disco singlet.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2025

UBC researchers thought if all the right ingredients were in place -- namely, cooking in a lit area -- they might find singlet oxygen indoors where it had never been detected.

From Science Daily • May 7, 2024

The singlet was not particularly radical: layered shades of white and Columbia’s signature shade, Pantone 292.

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2024

Fiona told me to wear them to the car wash, but holding the gold shorts and Liberty singlet now makes me feel like an impostor.

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen