monochrome

[mon-uh-krohm]

noun

1. a painting or drawing in different shades of a single color.

2. the art or technique of producing such a painting or drawing.

3. the state or condition of being painted, decorated, etc., in shades of a single color.

adjective

1. being or made in the shades of a single color.

   a blue monochrome seascape.

2. having the images reproduced in tones of gray.

   monochrome television.

monochrome

/ ˈmɒnəˌkrəʊm /

noun

1. a black-and-white photograph or transparency

2. photog black and white

3. 1. a painting, drawing, etc, done in a range of tones of a single colour

   2. the technique or art of this

4. (modifier) executed in or resembling monochrome

   a monochrome print

adjective

1. devoid of any distinctive or stimulating characteristics

Other Word Forms

• monochromic adjective
• monochromical adjective
• monochromically adverb
• monochromist noun
• monochromy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of monochrome¹

From the Medieval Latin word monochrōma, dating back to 1655–65. See mono-, -chrome

Word History and Origins

Origin of monochrome¹

C17: via Medieval Latin from Greek monokhrōmos of one colour

Example Sentences

Light touches of gold around her head contrast with the deftly controlled monochrome ink washes of the landscape in this virtuosic composition.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Gaza of maps and memories is gone, replaced by a monochrome landscape of rubble stretching flat and still for 180 degrees, from Beit Hanoun on one side to Gaza City on the other.

Read more on BBC

The cream-colored pages of this faithful facsimile lend a welcome softness to his monochrome photographs; and the same Egyptian-inspired Art Deco typeface that adorned the book’s original cover is here reproduced.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The artist said that none of his monochromes resembled each other and were "of quite a different essence and atmosphere", according to Christie's.

Read more on Barron's

Supermodel Naomi Campbell looked the epitome of chic in a monochrome outfit, paired with oversized sunglasses that only an A-lister can get away with.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• consistent 
• continual 
• nonstop 
• perpetual 
• regular 
• stable 
• steady 
• unbroken 
• uninterrupted