solitary meaning and definition

SOLITARY noun

Definition of solitary (noun)

1. confinement of a prisoner in isolation from other prisoners
   • "he was held in solitary"
   • synonyms: solitary confinement
2. one who lives in solitude
   • synonyms: hermit, recluse, solitudinarian, troglodyte

SOLITARY adjective

Definition of solitary (adjective)

1. characterized by or preferring solitude
   • "a lone wolf"; "a lonely existence"; "a man of a solitary disposition"; "a solitary walk"
   • synonyms: lone, lonely
2. of plants and animals; not growing or living in groups or colonies
   • "solitary bees"
   • synonyms: nongregarious, nonsocial
3. lacking companions or companionship
   • "he was alone when we met him"; "she is alone much of the time"; "the lone skier on the mountain"; "a lonely fisherman stood on a tuft of gravel"; "a lonely soul"; "a solitary traveler"
   • synonyms: alone, lone, lonely
4. being the only one; single and isolated from others
   • "the lone doctor in the entire county"; "a lonesome pine"; "an only child"; "the sole heir"; "the sole example"; "a solitary instance of cowardice"; "a solitary speck in the sky"
   • synonyms: lone, lonesome, only, sole
5. devoid of creatures
   • "a lonely crossroads"; "a solitary retreat"; "a trail leading to an unfrequented lake"
   • synonyms: lonely, unfrequented