monologue

noun

mono·​logue ˈmä-nə-ˌlȯg How to pronounce monologue (audio)
-ˌläg
variants or less commonly monolog
1
a
: soliloquy sense 2
the monologue at the beginning of the scene
b
: a dramatic sketch performed by one actor
c
: the routine of a stand-up comic
The comedian's monologue about his family was hilarious.
2
: a literary composition written in the form of a soliloquy
Her poems were monologues about unrequited love.
3
: a long speech monopolizing conversation
I stifled a yawn as she continued her monologue about her vacation experiences.
monologuist noun
or monologist
ˈmä-nə-ˌlȯ-gist How to pronounce monologue (audio)
-ˌlä-,
mə-ˈnä-lə-jist,
-gist

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Soliloquy vs. Monologue

Soliloquy and monologue cover very similar ground, but there are some important differences between the two words. Soliloquy (from the Latin solus “alone” and loqui “to speak”) at its most basic level refers to the act of talking to oneself, and more specifically denotes the solo utterance of an actor in a drama. It tends to be used of formal or literary expressions, such as Hamlet’s soliloquies. Monologue (from Greek monos "alone" and legein "to speak") may also refer to a dramatic scene in which an actor soliloquizes, but it has other meanings as well. To a stand-up comedian, monologue denotes a comic routine. To a bored listener, it signifies a long speech uttered by someone who has too much to say.

Examples of monologue in a Sentence

The play begins with the main character's monologue. The comedian is famous for his monologue about winning the lottery. I stifled a yawn as she launched into a monologue about how she is going to become a famous star.
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.
Their happy news was shared by Kimmel on Tuesday, May 20, during his talk show's opening monologue. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 22 May 2025 But what came through during Mr. Irsay’s rambling monologues in an interview in 2023 with The New York Times was his love of football and the N.F.L., as well as his appreciation for being able to spend most of his life around the country’s most popular sport. Ken Belson, New York Times, 22 May 2025 After missing Monday's late night show, the comedian opened his May 20 monologue with an exciting announcement: His daughter Katie Kimmel has given birth to a baby girl, meaning the Jimmy Kimmel Live host is officially a grandparent. Shania Russell, EW.com, 21 May 2025 Leno’s monologue was performed outside in what is now known as Eddie Doyle Square, named after longstanding Bull & Finch bartender Eddie Doyle. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for monologue

Word History

Etymology

Middle French monologue, from mon- + -logue

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of monologue was in 1549

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Cite this Entry

“Monologue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monologue. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

monologue

noun
mono·​logue
variants also monolog
1
: a short dramatic work performed by one actor
2
: a long uninterrupted speech delivered by one person in the presence of others
monologuist noun
or monologist
mə-ˈnäl-ə-jəst How to pronounce monologue (audio)
ˈmän-ᵊl-ˌȯg-əst,
-ˌäg-
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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