monologue

noun

mono·​logue ˈmä-nə-ˌlȯg 

-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

ˈmä-nə-ˌlȯ-gist 

-ˌlä-

noun

or monologist

ˈmä-nə-ˌlȯ-gist 

-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

The candidates also sparred in four debates throughout March and April, where monologues and lines of attack became familiar for those following along closely. —Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 7 May 2024

Dua Lipa was all about positivity during her Saturday Night Live monologue. —Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 5 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French monologue, from mon- + -logue

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing monologue

• dramatic monologue
• interior monologue

Kids Definition

monologue

noun

mono·​logue

variants also monolog

ˈmän-ᵊl-ˌȯg 

-ˌäg

1

: a short dramatic work performed by one actor

2

: a long uninterrupted speech delivered by one person in the presence of others

monologuist

-ᵊl-ˌȯg-əst 

-ˌäg-

noun

or monologist

mə-ˈnäl-ə-jəst 

ˈmän-ᵊl-ˌȯg-əst,

-ˌäg-