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

Researchers at Nanjing University in China and collaborating institutions have developed a novel processing strategy to resolve a major efficiency issue in monolithic all-perovskite triple-junction solar cells. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026

No single switch A major reason computer scientists downplay concerns that AI could wrench control of the web from humans is that the internet isn't monolithic, but rather comprises a vast system of interconnected networks. — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

The monolithic fireplace was built from a Montana stone called Muddy Creek. — Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2026

Treating Hispanic people — who are not always well represented in research — as a monolithic group obscured differences across heritage groups, including limited access to care that might mean underdiagnosis, the AHA said. — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 15 Sep. 2026

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