monogram

American  

[mon-uh-gram] / ˈmɒn əˌgræm /

noun

1. a design consisting of two or more alphabetic letters combined or interlaced, commonly one's initials, often printed on stationery, embroidered on clothing, etc.

2. a single emblematic or decorative letter; applied initial.

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verb (used with object)

monogrammed, monogramming

1. to decorate with a monogram.

monogram British  

/ ˌmɒnəɡrəˈmætɪk, ˈmɒnəˌɡræm /

noun

1. a design of one or more letters, esp initials, embroidered on clothing, printed on stationery, etc

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verb

1. (tr; usually passive) to decorate (clothing, stationery, etc) with a monogram

Other Word Forms

• monogrammatic
  adjective
• monogrammatical
  adjective
• monogrammic
  adjective
• unmonogrammed
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of monogram

1600–10; < Late Latin monogramma, irregular < Late Greek monógrammon. See mono-, -gram ¹

Explanation

If you've ever had a set of stationery with your initials printed on it, you know what a monogram is — it's those three letters at the top. When you buy a towel, a blanket, or a sweater you can often pay a little extra for a monogram, to get the initials of your first, middle, and last names embroidered on them. Writing paper, wedding invitations, envelopes, and other paper goods are commonly printed with a monogram — or monogrammed. Fancy silverware can also be imprinted with a monogram, as can gold and silver jewelry. The root is Greek, monogrammon, which means "intertwined letters."

Example Sentences

Sun and star motifs rendered in gold enhance the gem’s night sky coloring, while the classic flower designs celebrate the 130th anniversary of the Louis Vuitton Monogram.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

Claritas, Monogram, Nexben and Solera didn’t respond to requests for comment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

In response to questions about the Monogram factory, the company said it had cut ties with the supplier.

From New York Times • Dec. 28, 2023

However, two teens were also found working in a Minnesota meat processing plant run by Monogram Foods earlier this year.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 26, 2023

Theo finishes crossing the tan marble floors and holds up the tin jar labeled Monogram, presenting it as if he were a fancy butler.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse