monogamy

noun

mo·​nog·​a·​my mə-ˈnä-gə-mē 

1

a

: the state or practice of having only one sexual partner at a time

young couples who practice monogamy

b

: the state or custom of being married to only one person at a time

c

zoology : the condition or practice of having a single mate during a period of time

Monogamy is common among birds.

2

archaic : the practice of marrying only once during a lifetime

Examples of monogamy in a Sentence

young couples who practice monogamy

Monogamy is common among birds.

Recent Examples on the Web

In the age of social media obsessions and waning monogamy, Basic is a ridiculously relatable laugh riot. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026

Yes, Aham may truly believe that monogamy is racist. —Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 18 Mar. 2026

Peter’s only vanquishing is an ego-death, as he’s forced to release his fixation with monogamy and acknowledge the complexities of relationships. —Literary Hub, 3 Feb. 2026

This one seems to be monogamy, this one is, like, three or four baby mothers. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 29 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French monogamie, from Late Latin monogamia, from Greek, from monogamos monogamous, from mon- + gamos marriage, from gamein to marry

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for monogamy

• exogamy

Kids Definition

monogamy

noun

mo·​nog·​a·​my mə-ˈnäg-ə-mē 

: marriage with only one person at a time

monogamous

-məs 

adjective

Medical Definition

monogamy

noun

mo·​nog·​a·​my -mē 

plural monogamies

: the state or custom of being married to one person at a time or of having only one mate at a time

monogamous

mə-ˈnäg-ə-məs 

adjective

also monogamic

ˌmän-ə-ˈgam-ik