'single-sheet' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'single' and 'sheet'. 'Single' ultimately comes from Latin 'singulus' meaning 'one each', and 'sheet' comes from Old English 'scēat' (also written 'sceat') meaning 'piece or patch (of cloth or similar material)'.

'Single' passed into English via Old French and Middle English from Latin 'singulus'. 'Sheet' developed from Old English 'scēat' meaning 'piece (of cloth)'; its meaning extended in later English to include a 'sheet of paper'. The compound 'single-sheet' is a straightforward Modern English formation combining these elements.

The original elements referred to 'one' and a 'piece/patch' (often of cloth); over time, especially with the rise of paper use, the compound came to be used specifically for 'one sheet of paper' or anything 'consisting of one sheet'.