noun
bachelor
BACH-uh-ler/ˈbætʃələr/
An adult man who is not married.
The bachelor prepares a meal and sets a single place at his table.
Etymology
Old French bacheler included both “young man” and “unmarried man.” English initially emphasized youth, then developed the unmarried sense; the word’s deeper origin is uncertain.
In context
The social penalty for staying single has largely disappeared. Being a 45year-old bachelor used to scream failure to people. Now, it often signals independence, freedom, or simply different priorities.
More examples
- The novel follows three bachelors sharing a house.
- Her uncle was a lifelong bachelor.
- The invitation listed him as an eligible bachelor.
Forms
bachelor · bachelors
Similar words
- single man
- Is a neutral phrase for the same marital status.
- unmarried man
- Directly states marital status without bachelor's social associations.