monochrome

1 of 2

noun

mono·​chrome ˈmä-nə-ˌkrōm How to pronounce monochrome (audio)
Synonyms of monochromenext
: 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
Or, pair it with matching neutrals to build a monochrome outfit. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026 Lopez’s set included an oversized sweatshirt and wide-leg pants that looked ultra-comfy, but their monochrome design gave the pieces a polished appearance. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026
Adjective
Keep it monochrome, or plant a rainbow of colors for a dazzling display. — ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026 Those systems were monochrome, though, and focused solely on driving. — New Atlas, 15 May 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

See All Rhymes for monochrome

Browse Nearby Words

monochromator
monochrome
monochromic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Monochrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monochrome. Accessed 7 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of monochrome for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about monochrome

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