monogamic
Americanadjective
Usage
What does monogamic mean? Monogamic is a less common word for monogamous—having only one spouse, one sexual partner, or (in the case of animals) one mate. Monogamic is used to describe people and animals that practice monogamy or to describe their relationships or practices. The word monogamy most technically refers to the state or practice of being married to only one person at a time. It is also commonly used in a more general way to refer to the state of being in a romantic or sexual relationship with only one person at a time. Less commonly, monogamy can mean the practice of being married only once throughout one’s life. In the study of animals, monogamy refers to the practice of having only one mate. A monogamic person can be called a monogamist. The term can also be applied to a person who advocates for monogamy. Example: Monogamy may be traditional in our modern society, but monogamic relationships haven’t always been the norm in every culture.
Etymology
Origin of monogamic
First recorded in 1830–40; monogam(y) + -ic
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.
There is, in fact, no determined evolution toward a definite and conclusive practice of monogamy, although the monogamic custom is recognized as the evolutionary type among the civilized races of today.
From Sex--The Unknown Quantity The Spiritual Function of Sex by Alexander J. (Alexander James) McIvor-Tyndall
The monogamic system condemns millions of women to celibacy.
From History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I by Elizabeth Cady Stanton
Kovalevsky's argument turns on the proposition that the patriarchal household is a typical stage of society, intermediate between the matriarchal and monogamic family.
From The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State by Friedrich Engels
Where there is no monogamic commitment, he is forced into family life that is confused, incomplete, and uncertain.
From The Good Housekeeping Marriage Book by William F. (William Frederick) Bigelow
Even when they maintain the letter of the monogamic code, they lose its spirit.
From The Good Housekeeping Marriage Book by William F. (William Frederick) Bigelow
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