monochrome

1 of 2

noun

mono·​chrome ˈmä-nə-ˌkrōm How to pronounce monochrome (audio)
: a painting, drawing, or photograph in a single hue
monochromic adjective
monochromist 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

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
Try a monochrome moment For the design-savvy, pistachio green shines in a tone-on-tone, monochrome look. Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 21 June 2025 These pieces mark a pivotal moment in Fontana’s evolution from monochrome spatial cuts to a more architectural framing of space and void. Nel-Olivia Waga, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Adjective
Mix and match colors for a set, or keep things monochrome for a sleek bathroom appeal. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2025 Lightweight but subtly high-impact, these earrings are a master class in duality—rich and monochrome from the front, sparkling on the back, and memorable at every angle. Jill Newman, Robb Report, 12 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Monochrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monochrome. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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

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