monochrome

1 of 3

noun (1)

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 3

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

monochromist

3 of 3

noun (2)

mono·​chrom·​ist

plural -s

: an artist in monochrome

also : an advocate of its use

Synonyms of monochrome

Adjective

• solid
• self
• monochromatic
• neutral
• monochromic

Examples of monochrome in a Sentence

Adjective

an artist who produces monochrome pencil drawings

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Directed by Child and filmed in Whack’s hometown of Philadelphia, the song’s black-and-white visuals transform familiar city streets into a monochrome maze where Whack glides through scenes with the oozing confidence of someone ready to reclaim her narrative. —Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2026

For styling, pair it with wide-leg trousers in the same color and a matching belt for a monochrome take that’s both modern and classic. —Frances Solá-Santiago, InStyle, 16 June 2026

Adjective

Those systems were monochrome, though, and focused solely on driving. —New Atlas, 15 May 2026

Keep it monochrome, or plant a rainbow of colors for a dazzling display. —ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1662, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for monochrome

• acrosome
• aerodrome
• catacomb
• centrosome
• chromosome
• cytochrome
• hippodrome
• honeycomb
• liposome
• meerschaum
• metronome
• microtome

Kids Definition

monochrome

noun

mono·​chrome

ˈmän-ə-ˌkrōm

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

monochrome adjective