monogamy

noun

mo·​nog·​a·​my mə-ˈnä-gə-mē How to pronounce monogamy (audio)
Synonyms of monogamy
1
a
: the state or practice of having only one sexual partner at a time
young couples who practice monogamy
b
: the state or custom of being married to only one person at a time
c
zoology : the condition or practice of having a single mate during a period of time
Monogamy is common among birds.
2
archaic : the practice of marrying only once during a lifetime

Examples of monogamy in a Sentence

young couples who practice monogamy Monogamy is common among birds.
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.
Yes, Aham may truly believe that monogamy is racist. — Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 18 Mar. 2026 For some celebrity couples, though, strict monogamy isn’t the answer to a successful relationship. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 28 May 2026 The grave sites also include features that suggest a strong emphasis on monogamy and the nuclear family. — Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 29 Apr. 2026 Tyler and Teezo Touchdown were singing about dodging monogamy at all costs, but RM teased out his own, deeper meaning. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for monogamy

Word History

Etymology

French monogamie, from Late Latin monogamia, from Greek, from monogamos monogamous, from mon- + gamos marriage, from gamein to marry

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of monogamy was in 1612

Rhymes for monogamy

See All Rhymes for monogamy

Browse Nearby Words

monogamous
monogamy
monoganglionic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Monogamy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monogamy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

monogamy

noun
mo·​nog·​a·​my mə-ˈnäg-ə-mē How to pronounce monogamy (audio)
: marriage with only one person at a time
monogamous
-məs How to pronounce monogamy (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

monogamy

noun
mo·​nog·​a·​my -mē How to pronounce monogamy (audio)
plural monogamies
: the state or custom of being married to one person at a time or of having only one mate at a time
monogamous
mə-ˈnäg-ə-məs How to pronounce monogamy (audio)
adjective
also monogamic
ˌmän-ə-ˈgam-ik How to pronounce monogamy (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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