Singular means one of a kind or exceptional in some striking way. A singular achievement stands out because nobody else has done quite what you did. When someone has a singular talent for playing the piano, they play in a way that makes people stop and listen, amazed at something they've never quite heard before.

In grammar class, you learn that singular is the opposite of plural: one cat is singular, two cats are plural. But the more interesting meaning describes something so unusual or remarkable that it seems to exist in a category of its own.

You might read about a scientist's singular dedication to solving a problem, meaning their focus was extraordinary and unwavering. A book might have a singular voice that sounds like no other author's. When something possesses singular beauty, it has a special quality that makes it unforgettable.

The word carries a sense of admiration. Calling something singular suggests you're genuinely impressed by how different or excellent it is. If your teacher describes your project as singular, that's high praise.