Solo has 11 different meanings across 4 categories:
any activity that is performed alone without assistance
"The dancer completed her entire routine solo, never letting another person touch a single prop during the performance."
a musical composition for one voice or instrument (with or without accompaniment)
"The pianist performed a haunting solo that captivated the entire audience during the recital."
a flight in which the aircraft pilot is unaccompanied
"The captain decided to fly solo after the co-pilot fell ill mid-journey."
A piece of music for one performer.
"The pianist decided to play a solo instead of accompanying the full orchestra during the finale."
In plain English: A solo is when someone does something all by themselves without any help from others.
fly alone, without a co-pilot or passengers
"The veteran pilot decided to take his small plane solo across the ocean after years of flying with a crew."
perform a piece written for a single instrument
"The violinist decided to take a break from the orchestra to play her favorite concerto solo during the concert's intermission."
To perform a solo.
"The lead guitarist stepped up to take a fiery solo during the concert's final song."
In plain English: To solo means to do something by yourself without any help from others.
"He chose to solo over the ocean without any crew."
Without a companion or instructor.
"After years of practicing scales and pieces with her teacher, Maria finally felt confident enough to perform the concerto solo on stage."
In plain English: Solo means doing something by yourself without any help from other people.
"She decided to travel solo across Europe."
Usage: Use solo as an adjective before a noun, such as in a solo performance, to indicate that someone is performing without accompaniment or assistance. Do not confuse this with the verb form when describing the act of doing something alone.
without anybody else or anything else
"the child stayed home alone"
"the pillar stood alone, supporting nothing"
"he flew solo"
Alone, without a companion.
"She decided to take the hike solo after her friends all had other plans."
In plain English: Doing something alone without any help from other people.
"She decided to travel solo this summer."
The word solo was borrowed into English from the Italian language. It originally meant "alone," tracing its roots back to the Latin sōlus.