monochrome

American  

[mon-uh-krohm] / ˈmɒn əˌkroʊm /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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adjective

1. devoid of any distinctive or stimulating characteristics

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of monochrome

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

Example Sentences

Excelling more as a draftsman than a colorist, Lam created his most compelling paintings in near monochrome or with a limited palette.

From The Wall Street Journal

Many of Anderson's designs centred on a monochrome palette, with sunny bursts of orange, punctuated with ice blue and pinks.

From BBC

The enthusiasm also reflects a loss of interest in "workwear" or "quiet luxury", trends that have dominated menswear for years with their simple and often monochrome fabrics.

From Barron's

The color scheme glides from monochrome in the morning to various shades of blue in the afternoon, a backdrop to blindingly white icebergs, their seawashed cavities a bright turquoise.

From The Wall Street Journal

The catalog’s full-page reproductions, in spectacular colors or crepuscular monochromes, are frequently transporting.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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