single-laned
|sin/gle/laned|
/ˈsɪŋɡəlˌleɪnd/
(single-lane)
one lane only
Etymology
'single-laned' originates from Modern English, formed by the adjective/compound 'single-lane' plus the adjectival suffix '-ed', where 'single' ultimately comes from Latin 'singulus' meaning 'one' and 'lane' comes from Old English (and Germanic) words meaning 'a track or narrow road'.
'single-laned' developed from the compound 'single-lane' (Modern English). 'Single' is ultimately from Latin 'singulus' (via Old French/Old English influence), and 'lane' derives from Old English/Germanic words for a narrow road; the modern compound acquired the '-ed' ending to form an adjectival phrase 'single-laned'.
Initially the elements meant 'one' (single) and 'narrow road/track' (lane); combined, they have retained the straightforward meaning of 'having only one lane', which persists in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having only one traffic lane (for one or both directions) on a road or section of road.
The rural highway was single-laned for several miles, so drivers had to be cautious when passing.
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Adjective 2
describing a bridge, tunnel, or bottleneck limited to a single lane that may require alternating traffic flow or control.
A single-laned bridge forced drivers to take turns crossing during the weekend.
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Last updated: 2026/01/14 04:12