solitary solitary /ˈsɑːləˌtɛri/

adjective

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

noun

1. One who lives in solitude  ( hermit , solitary , solitudinarian , recluse , troglodyte )
   one who lives in solitude
   
2. Confinement of a prisoner in isolation from other prisoners  ( solitary , solitary confinement )
   confinement of a prisoner in isolation from other prisoners
    He was held in solitary
   he was held in solitary