monochromatic

adjective

mono·​chro·​mat·​ic ˌmä-nə-krō-ˈma-tik 

1

a

: having or consisting of one color or hue

a monochromatic winter scene

b

: monochrome sense 2

monochromatic photographs

2

: consisting of radiation of a single wavelength (see wavelength sense 1) or of a very small range of wavelengths

3

: of, relating to, or exhibiting monochromatism

4

: lacking variety, creativity, or excitement : colorless

monochromatically

ˌmä-nə-krō-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

monochromaticity

ˌmä-nə-ˌkrō-mə-ˈti-sə-tē 

noun

Synonyms

• monochrome
• monochromic
• self
• self-colored
• solid

Examples of monochromatic in a Sentence

It's a monochromatic room with a blue rug and blue furniture.

although marble and bronze sculptures are monochromatic, they can be amazingly lifelike

Recent Examples on the Web

Both men are known for architecturally complex structures; exaggerated volumes; garments with emphatic lines; the use of new materials; monochromatic abstraction; monastic profiles, and a focus on anonymity, both in their designs and their approach to public exposure. —Miles Socha, WWD, 18 Dec. 2024

While in London recently, the actress shared a carousel of Instagram selfies in a monochromatic deep purple outfit. —Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024

Sleek and sophisticated, monochromatic schemes—particularly in white, gold and silver—are trending, like this silver belles-inspired 40-count ornament set. —Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 11 Dec. 2024

The news of Dirk’s affair with Holly is a genuine surprise, and Elsbeth recalls that her monochromatic home goods proposal was over a year old. —Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin monochromatos, from Greek monochrōmatos, from mon- + chrōmat-, chrōma color

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

monochromatic

adjective

mono·​chro·​mat·​ic ˌmän-ə-krō-ˈmat-ik 

1

: having or consisting of one color

2

: consisting of radiation (as light) of a single wavelength

Medical Definition

monochromatic

adjective

mono·​chro·​mat·​ic ˌmän-ə-krō-ˈmat-ik 

1

: having or consisting of one color or hue

2

: consisting of radiation of a single wavelength or of a very small range of wavelengths

3

: of, relating to, or exhibiting monochromatism

monochromaticity

-ˌkrō-mə-ˈtis-ət-ē 

noun

plural monochromaticities