standalone

American  

[stand-uh-lohn] / ˈstænd əˌloʊn /

Or stand-alone

adjective

1. complete unto itself; not being or understood as part of a set, system, or series; self-contained: The studio doubted that this story would find an audience as a stand-alone film.

   Our aerospace degree plan is a standalone program, and not a division of the mechanical engineering department.

   The studio doubted that this story would find an audience as a stand-alone film.

2. Computers. able to operate without other hardware or software.

   There are several standalone apps you can use to add live captioning to your videos.

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noun

1. a single work that may be understood and appreciated without knowledge of other episodes, books, issues, etc..

   The author has taken a break from the series to put out two standalones just in time for the holidays.

2. Computers. a device or program that does not need other hardware or software to fully function.

   A decent VR rig for your PC won’t be any cheaper than a standalone.

Etymology

Origin of standalone

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

“EQT believes the final proposal delivers certain and accelerated cash value at a full valuation for Intertek shareholders, superior to the range of outcomes associated with Intertek’s standalone prospects,” it said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

“As a top 10 shareholder, we are concerned that if Beazer continues to operate on a standalone basis, the company will further erode shareholder value,” he said.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

And three standalone stores returned to the UK at the end of last year.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

Debt from a potential acquisition could reduce eBay’s standalone free cash flow, Devnani said.

From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026

IOI’s intranet was a high-security, standalone network with no direct connections to the OASIS.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline