monogamist
Americannoun
noun
Usage
What does monogamist mean? A monogamist is someone who practices or advocates for monogamy—the state or practice of being married to only one person at a time or being in a romantic or sexual relationship with only one person at a time. The phrase serial monogamist refers to a person who engages in what’s called serial monogamy—the practice of being married several times in succession, or, more popularly, going from one monogamous long-term relationship to another. Example: I don’t know how people have the energy or patience to date multiple people at once—it’s hard enough being a monogamist.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of monogamist
First recorded in 1645–50; monogam(y) + -ist
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.
As a recovering serial monogamist, maybe that “for a little while” part is a new lesson for me.
From Salon ● Aug. 27, 2026
‘The Bolter’ In the novels of the British writer Nancy Mitford, it’s a nickname given to the narrator’s mother, a serial monogamist who cycles through relationships.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 19, 2024
A self-professed serial monogamist, he lives alone, but his girlfriend lives next door, and is fully on board with his cause.
From New York Times ● Nov. 23, 2022
We live in a society that has been monogamist, for better or worse, for a very long time.
From Slate ● Dec. 10, 2019
A monogamist is one who believes in marriage with one person only.
From Orthography As Outlined in the State Course of Study for Illinois by Elmer W. Cavins
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
