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

• 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

Her outfits strike the perfect balance of casual and cute—and this monochrome moment is easy to recreate. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 31 July 2025

In the past, archaeologists have only been able to see poor-quality, monochrome interpretations of the tattoos on the mummies based on drawings, leaving out both the intricate designs as well as the techniques used to create them, according to the study. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 31 July 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

His looks were urban, often monochrome and sometimes apocalyptic, with a play on proportion and superposition of elements. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 28 July 2025

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

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