monolithic

adjective

mono·​lith·​ic ˌmä-nə-ˈli-thik 

1

a

: of, relating to, or resembling a monolith : huge, massive

a large monolithic building

an influential monolithic organization

b(1)

: formed from a single crystal

a monolithic silicon chip

(2)

: produced in or on a monolithic chip (see chip entry 1 sense 6b)

a monolithic circuit

2

a

: cast as a single piece

a monolithic concrete wall

b

: formed or composed of material without joints or seams

a monolithic floor covering

c

: consisting of or constituting a single unit

3

a

: constituting a massive undifferentiated and often rigid whole

a monolithic society

b

: exhibiting or characterized by often rigidly fixed uniformity

monolithic party unity

monolithically

ˌmä-nə-ˈli-thi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of monolithic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Tribune Editorial Board is correct in saying that the Democratic Party is not monolithic. —Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025

Known as his textile block system, these precast pieces were both structural and decorative devices, creating a more dynamic design compared to a singular monolithic structure. —Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2025

Rather than building monolithic models, leading research labs are creating specialized components that communicate and collaborate, much like how engineering teams distribute complex problems. —Kirimgeray Kirimli, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Movements like populism, which want to make culture this monolithic gray thing, are so scary. —Anthony Byrt, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see monolith

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for monolithic

• chalcolithic
• megalithic
• mesolithic
• neolithic
• lithic
• mythic
• paleolithic