monochromatic

adjective

mono·​chro·​mat·​ic ˌmä-nə-krō-ˈma-tik 

1

a

: having or consisting of one color or hue

a monochromatic winter scene

b

: monochrome sense 2

monochromatic photographs

2

: consisting of radiation of a single wavelength (see wavelength sense 1) or of a very small range of wavelengths

3

: of, relating to, or exhibiting monochromatism

4

: lacking variety, creativity, or excitement : colorless

monochromatically

ˌmä-nə-krō-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

monochromaticity

ˌmä-nə-ˌkrō-mə-ˈti-sə-tē 

noun

Synonyms of monochromatic

• solid
• monochrome
• self
• neutral
• monochromic

Examples of monochromatic in a Sentence

It's a monochromatic room with a blue rug and blue furniture.

although marble and bronze sculptures are monochromatic, they can be amazingly lifelike

Recent Examples on the Web

This minimalist, monochromatic look gives lighting designer Conchita Avitia the leeway to play with colors like a mood ring, choosing hues from warm yellow to hot pink depending on the tone of each scene. —Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

Across the runways, designers took a more expressive approach to dressing—from sharp color blocking at Loewe, Prada, and Jil Sander, to striking monochromatic looks at Chanel, Ashlyn, and Balenciaga. —Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2026

Another late work, Color Wheel, 2018–19, comprises a group of thirty massive canvases arranged in a circle, each a vivid, monochromatic shade atop which has been painted a single, dripping bar of complementary hue. —News Desk, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026

Just team it with a pair of wide-leg pants and a trench coat for a luxe workwear ensemble in an instant, then add a touch of monochromatic contrast with a black tote bag and sensible granny heels. —Clare Holden, Glamour, 23 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin monochromatos, from Greek monochrōmatos, from mon- + chrōmat-, chrōma color

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for monochromatic

• adiabatic
• aristocratic
• asymptomatic
• axiomatic
• diagrammatic
• diaphragmatic
• electrostatic
• endolymphatic
• epigrammatic
• homeostatic
• idiomatic
• magnetostatic

Kids Definition

monochromatic

adjective

mono·​chro·​mat·​ic ˌmän-ə-krō-ˈmat-ik 

1

: having or consisting of one color

2

: consisting of radiation (as light) of a single wavelength

Medical Definition

monochromatic

adjective

mono·​chro·​mat·​ic ˌmän-ə-krō-ˈmat-ik 

1

: having or consisting of one color or hue

2

: consisting of radiation of a single wavelength or of a very small range of wavelengths

3

: of, relating to, or exhibiting monochromatism

monochromaticity

-ˌkrō-mə-ˈtis-ət-ē 

noun

plural monochromaticities