Meaning & Definition of Solitary in English

1. Confinement of a prisoner in isolation from other prisoners

• "He was held in solitary"

2. One who lives in solitude

1. Characterized by or preferring solitude

• "A lone wolf"

• "A lonely existence"

• "A man of a solitary disposition"

• "A solitary walk"

2. Of plants and animals

• Not growing or living in groups or colonies

• "Solitary bees"

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"

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"

5. Devoid of creatures

• "A lonely crossroads"

• "A solitary retreat"

• "A trail leading to an unfrequented lake"