'single-parent' originates from the combination of 'single,' meaning 'one' or 'alone,' and 'parent,' meaning 'a father or mother.'

'Single-parent' evolved from the concept of 'single' and 'parent' being used together to describe a family structure with one parent.

Initially, it referred to a parent who is not married or living with a partner, but now it broadly includes any parent raising children alone.