Solo
/ˈsəʊloʊ/
Definitions
3 meaningsA performance or piece of music for one performer.
/ˈsəʊloʊ/
A performance by one person
The guitarist began his solo during the bridge of the song.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're the only person on stage. That special performance just for you? That's a solo! Like when a singer sings a song all by themselves.
👶 For kids: When one person does something special by themselves, like singing a song or dancing, it's called a solo.
More Examples
Her dance solo showcased her incredible technique.
The jazz musician improvised a fantastic solo on his saxophone.
How It's Used
"The violinist played a beautiful solo."
"She performed a graceful solo in the ballet."
Performed or done by one person alone; unaccompanied.
/ˈsəʊloʊ/
Done without anyone else
He embarked on a solo journey around the world.
💡 Simply: Going on a bike ride all by yourself? That's a solo ride! It means doing something alone, without any friends or partners.
👶 For kids: When you do something all by yourself, like playing a game or going for a walk, that's solo.
More Examples
The pilot made a solo flight to test the new aircraft.
She prefers a solo vacation to enjoy her own company.
How It's Used
"She took a solo trip across Europe."
"The cyclist won the race with a solo breakaway."
To perform or play a solo.
/ˈsəʊloʊ/
To perform a solo
The saxophonist soloed for several minutes.
💡 Simply: To solo is like when you take the microphone at a karaoke night and sing by yourself, or play the guitar.
👶 For kids: To do something special by yourself, like sing or dance, that's solo-ing.
More Examples
She will solo during the concert tonight.
He expertly soloed on the electric guitar.
How It's Used
"The guitarist soloed during the bridge."
Synonyms
Aria
Monologue
Performance
Recital
Alone
Individual
Single
Idioms & expressions
go solo
To start doing something independently, especially after being part of a group.
"After years in a band, the singer decided to go solo."
From Italian *solo* ('alone'), from Latin *solus* ('alone, only').
The term 'solo' became increasingly common in the 19th century, particularly in musical contexts.
Memory tip
Think of a lone star shining brilliantly – a solo performance is a single star on stage.