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
The jewelry featured shimmering diamonds and emeralds, adding colorful contrast to Elba’s monochrome look. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025 But despite its demure monochrome appearance, the heavy weight of the 18-karat Canopus Gold case and bracelet will endow you with a very different feeling than its steel equivalent. Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
The blue ensemble featured a wholly monochrome look, with elbow-length short sleeves, buttons down the front placket and a sharp collar with two breast pockets as well. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 11 Aug. 2025 The results were for me, of course, quite monochrome. Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 22 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Monochrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monochrome. Accessed 9 Sep. 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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