singly
Americanadverb
-
one at a time; one by one
-
apart from others; separately; alone
Etymology
Origin of singly
First recorded in 1250–1300, singly is from the Middle English word senglely. See single, -ly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Our catastrophes used to come at us singly: one earthquake at a time, one flood at a time, one economy-busting drought or recession at a time.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 3, 2025
Extracellular, doubly charged copper ions are reduced to singly charged copper, transported into the cell, stored in pools, and transferred to the biomolecules that require them on demand.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 20, 2024
But change fees will be eliminated for passengers in the other three groups, who will also be able to buy extras such as seat selection and bringing a carry-on bag in bundles instead of singly.
From Seattle Times ● May 17, 2024
The report lists several options likely being offered to Mr. Xi singly or in combination, with varying degrees of risk for the ruling Chinese Communist Party.
From Washington Times ● Oct. 23, 2023
A real tournament was distinct from a joust In a joust the knights tilted or fenced with each other singly, for a prize.
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
