monochrome

1 of 2

noun

mono·​chrome ˈmä-nə-ˌkrōm 

: a painting, drawing, or photograph in a single hue

monochromic

ˌmä-nə-ˈkrō-mik 

adjective

monochromist

ˈmä-nə-ˌkrō-mist 

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

Adjective

• monochromatic
• monochromic
• self
• self-colored
• solid

Examples of monochrome in a Sentence

Adjective

an artist who produces monochrome pencil drawings

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Everything is exaggerated, from the cavernous expanse and dark monochrome walls of Elisabeth/Sue’s apartment, which amplify her crushing solitude, to the uniform boorishness of the men on the margins, especially Elisabeth’s former boss (a repellent Dennis Quaid). —Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2024

The matte black hues, monochrome stripes, and lime green slime scream Halloween (but only to those who are looking close enough). —Marci Robin, Allure, 12 Sep. 2024

Adjective

Brannigan recommends pairing the style with a black belt and black boots to keep things sleek and monochrome. —Karli Bendlin, Peoplemag, 15 Aug. 2024

In addition, monochrome white looks, such as Carolina Herrera’s ruffled cotton frock, continually prove chic all summer long. —Emily Mercer, WWD, 24 June 2024

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

Kids Definition

monochrome

noun

mono·​chrome

ˈmän-ə-ˌkrōm

: a painting, drawing, or photograph in a single color

monochrome adjective