Skip to main content
soul

soul

491 3.8
Any person, often used when saying no one was there
  • noun
  • /soʊl/
translation icon : alma
  • There has to be some soul here to fill out this space.
  • not one soul
  • poor souls
  • a few souls

I never admitted to a single soul that I wasn't happy.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • Oh, you brave, brave soul.

  • We thought the town was completely abandoned save these unfortunate souls who wander the streets.

  • You are the oldest soul in this room.

  • One day a legend, the next a poor soul on the street.

  • Thinking about those poor souls, I feel terrible.

  • All sensitive young souls go through this phase.

  • There's not a single soul out on the street.

  • Pity the poor souls confined to the four walls of a single reality.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Cora had been a missionary nurse, an outgoing soul who had devoted her life to others.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Okay, listen, D, you cannot tell a single soul about this, all right?

Synonyms

person
vssoul
1.0

A single human being, not an animal or a thing

is used to stress individuality and in negative or indefinite contexts
someone
vssoul
1.0

A person you do not know

is used to stress individuality and in negative or indefinite contexts
somebody
vssoul
1 1.0

A person who is not known

is used to stress individuality and in negative or indefinite contexts

Idioms

The most important part that holds a group or thing together

heart and soul
  • Informal
26 3.3

In a way that shows complete energy and strong commitment

body and soul
  • Informal
9 4.5

With complete dedication and strong belief

rest his soul
  • Archaic
1 9.0

People say it to show respect for a man who has died

A person who makes parties fun by being lively and entertaining others

8.3

Act badly to get money, power, or success

Compounds

38 3.4

A person you feel a deep, natural connection with as a close friend or romantic partner

A deep, honest time of thinking about your feelings and choices

7 3.7

Food that African American families in the southern United States cook at home

3 7.9

A small area of hair just under the lower lip above the chin

soul-sucking
  • Informal
2 8.5

Making you feel very tired and empty inside

2 4.8

A person who feels a deep connection and shares your interests and values

soul brother
  • Archaic
2 7.5

A Black man who shares close friendship and support in his community

soul kiss
  • NSFW
1 7.8

An open-mouthed touch of lips and tongue to show strong feeling

stormtossed soul
  • Literature
9.9

A person who feels very upset and lost because of strong emotions

Surface Forms

soul singular
souls plural

Etymology

Soul originally could mean 'a person' or 'life', which is why we say 'not a single soul' when there is not one person around.