monochrome

1 of 2

noun

mono·​chrome ˈmä-nə-ˌkrōm How to pronounce monochrome (audio)
Synonyms of monochrome
: a painting, drawing, or photograph in a single hue
monochromic
ˌmä-nə-ˈkrō-mik How to pronounce monochrome (audio)
adjective
monochromist
ˈmä-nə-ˌkrō-mist How to pronounce monochrome (audio)
noun

monochrome

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of, relating to, or made with a single color or hue
2
: involving or producing visual images in a single color or in varying tones of a single color (such as gray)
monochrome film

Synonyms of monochrome

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Adjective

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Examples of monochrome in a Sentence

Adjective an artist who produces monochrome pencil drawings
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In contrast to the gorgeous monochrome visuals, this is a land that stinks of complicity and delusion — of opportunists desperate to scramble onto the right side of history. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 Rosalía’s look was comprised of three distinct parts, all cast in a monochrome shade of black. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Here, this guest went fully monochrome in gray, teaming a cozy sweater top with a shimmering sequin skirt. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 10 Sep. 2026 For something more monochrome, a white sneaker keeps the whole outfit in one tonal family. — Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for monochrome

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Medieval Latin monochroma, from Latin, feminine of monochromos of one color, from Greek monochrōmos, from mon- + -chrōmos -chrome

First Known Use

Noun

1662, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of monochrome was in 1662

Rhymes for monochrome

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Browse Nearby Words

monochromator
monochrome
monochromic
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Cite this Entry

“Monochrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monochrome. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

monochrome

noun
mono·​chrome
ˈmän-ə-ˌkrōm
: a painting, drawing, or photograph in a single color
monochrome adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on monochrome

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about monochrome

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