monumental
Americanadjective
-
like a monument, esp in large size, endurance, or importance
a monumental work of art
-
of, relating to, or being a monument
-
informal (intensifier)
monumental stupidity
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of monumental
From the Late Latin word monumentālis, dating back to 1595–1605. See monument, -al 1
Explanation
Whether it's a monumental effort requiring vast amounts of strength or a monumental cruise ship with eleven floors and five sets of elevators, the word monumental describes something imposing or massive in size. Monumental can also refer to something that's of outstanding importance or significance. A monumental decision for you would be one that changes your life — like the day you got engaged or when you decided to move to New York to be an actor. The word monumental can also be used if you're talking about a monument, a statue or structure commemorating a person or event. You might admire the monumental stonework on the statue in the town square.
Vocabulary lists containing monumental
The Maze Runner
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Stargirl
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Living Large: Synonyms for "Big"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"I look very much forward to spending time with President Xi in what will be, I am sure, a Monumental Event," Trump added.
From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026
A second half headed goal from Flamengo center-back Danilo settled a scrappy encounter at the Estadio Monumental in Lima – the fifth Libertadores final in the past six seasons to feature two clubs from Brazil.
From Barron's • Nov. 29, 2025
On Sunday, River's 85,000-capacity Mas Monumental stadium will host the 264th Superclasico on matchday 15 of the Torneo Apertura, the first half of the Argentine top-flight season.
From BBC • Apr. 27, 2025
Curated by Erin Christovale, “Alice Coltrane: Monumental Eternal” dives deep into the spiritual and sonic worlds of the jazz icon and devotional leader that Coltrane was, and her lasting influence on art and music.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2025
It may interest some of your "Monumental" and "Ecclesiological" correspondents to be informed that in 1834 there was collected and published by D. Macvean, bookseller, Glasgow, a volume of Epitaphs and Monumental Inscriptions in Scotland.
From Notes and Queries, Vol. III, Number 83, May 31, 1851 A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Geneologists, etc by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
