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  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of monogram

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

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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

See Examples For:

monogram monogrammed monogramming

Dürer was only partly successful: It was decided that Raimondi could continue copying Dürer’s work, but he was prohibited from also copying the artist’s distinctive monogram.

From Salon ● Aug. 23, 2026

"And I lived that as an early teen. I was desperate for the monogram Gucci washbag."

From BBC ● Apr. 29, 2026

Then, he’ll draw the monogram, crest or other design on the painted silver.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 9, 2025

This outfit combined the designer's two famous patterns - the LV monogram pattern on the waistcoat and jacket, as well as the damier checkerboard on the shorts.

From BBC ● May 5, 2025

For a long time he worked at the monogram in the center of the platter.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers

Creators found themselves on the defensive after attending an OpenAI event at Wildflower Farms, a resort in Hudson Valley, N.Y., where they received monogrammed pajamas and OpenAI-branded honey.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026

This coffee-table book takes Louis Vuitton superfans on a non-chronological trip through the archives, collaborations, window displays, movie moments and fashion designers in its monogrammed universe.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 28, 2025

I have an insatiable addiction to putting my initials on everything, so I like to get my cuffs monogrammed.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 9, 2024

Created by the Herbert Johnson Hat Company in London, the inside lining features gold monogrammed initials "IJ".

From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2024

Rex was wearing shorts and a monogrammed shirt, ripped at the shoulder, showing tanned skin.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

By monogramming something, the first thing you think about is you.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 8, 2026

No one says, “Gee, I think I’ll co-found a cool travel company so I can personally take over the luggage-tag monogramming program.”

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 18, 2019

In previous years, full-time monogramming artists were included in company-wide events, like Away’s annual holiday party.

From The Verge ● Dec. 17, 2019

Add gold embossed monogramming for an extra special touch.

From Fox News ● Nov. 28, 2018

Pottery Barn Kids’ collection includes bags with houndstooth, linen and herringbone patterns, leather trim and a monogramming option.

From Washington Times ● Jul. 31, 2018

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