monotone

1 of 2

noun

mono·​tone ˈmä-nə-ˌtōn How to pronounce monotone (audio)
1
: a succession of syllables, words, or sentences in one unvaried key or pitch
2
: a single unvaried musical tone
3
: a tedious sameness or reiteration
4
: a person unable to produce or to distinguish between musical intervals

monotone

2 of 2

adjective

1
2
: having a uniform color

Examples of monotone in a Sentence

Noun She read the story in a dull monotone. He sang in a soft, low monotone. She spoke in a monotone voice.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
There’s a monotone quality to the action and the subtleties of character interplay in the book don’t translate very well in a 580-seat theater. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2024 Avoid the trap of the DeSantis monotone, where every email, every social post, is at best slightly different from the previous one. Adam Hanft, Fortune, 25 Jan. 2024 DeSantis, on the other hand, spoke robotically and in a deadly monotone. Adam Hanft, Fortune, 25 Jan. 2024 Belichick, known for his rumpled appearance, unsmiling countenance and monotone voice, was celebrated as savant, savior and sage. Bill Pennington, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2024 Sure, there were some slight differences—Middleton’s plaid jacket was quilted by Burberry, whereas Prince William’s monotone technical, water-repellant look came from Suit Supply—but the sameness of it all was undeniable. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2023 The pair wore contrasting monotone colors with their signature edgy style as they were photographed stepping out for a date night at the GQ Men of the Year Party on Thursday. Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 17 Nov. 2023 There’s a half-zip to provide relief after working up a sweat, and classic athletic stripes beautifully break up the otherwise monotone ribbing. Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2023 What are the sonic tools and tricks that prevent the deadly boring, monotone sound quality of a public radio documentary? Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 25 Oct. 2023
Adjective
Stage, with the clean, modern lines of its spacious dining room and leafy outdoor patio, brought big-city buzz to a once monotone patch of Palm Beach County. Usa Today Network, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2024 In 1986, Ferris Bueller’s teacher, played by Ben Stein, put people to sleep by lecturing in a monotone voice about the Smoot-Hawley Tariff. Jonathan Den Hartog, National Review, 2 Sep. 2023 Their voice is monotone, or their online chatting is dry and terse. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 21 Apr. 2023 The new films are too long, too monotone, too bland and full of photorealistic talking animals that range from boring to horrifying. Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 1 June 2023 At the same time, the monotone gray color scheme draws attention to the edgy sharpness of the RD720SQ movement. Carol Besler, Robb Report, 12 May 2023 Another is so monotone. refinery29.com, 10 Aug. 2021 This Stihl operates at an almost monotone rpm. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 20 Mar. 2023 Many of the looks were monotone, but floral motifs were a main driver. Allyson Portee, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'monotone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Greek monotonos monotonous

First Known Use

Noun

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of monotone was in 1644

Dictionary Entries Near monotone

Cite this Entry

“Monotone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monotone. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

monotone

noun
mono·​tone
ˈmän-ə-ˌtōn
1
: a series of syllables, words, or sentences on one unchanging key or pitch
speak in a monotone
2
: a single unchanging musical tone
3
: a boring sameness or repetition
a monotone of suburban houses

More from Merriam-Webster on monotone

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