monologue

American  

[mon-uh-lawg, -log] / ˈmɒn əˌlɔg, -ˌlɒg /

Or monolog

noun

1. a form of dramatic entertainment, comedic solo, or the like by a single speaker.

   a comedian's monologue.

2. a prolonged talk or discourse by a single speaker, especially one dominating or monopolizing a conversation.

3. any composition, as a poem, in which a single person speaks alone.

4. a part of a drama in which a single actor speaks alone; soliloquy.

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monologue British  

/ məˈnɒləɡɪst, mɒˈnɒlədʒɪ, ˈmɒnəˌlɒɡɪst, ˌmɒnəˈlɒdʒɪk, ˈmɒnəˌlɒɡ /

noun

1. a long speech made by one actor in a play, film, etc, esp when alone

2. a dramatic piece for a single performer

3. any long speech by one person, esp when interfering with conversation

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Other Word Forms

• monologic adjective
• monological adjective
• monologist noun
• monologuist noun
• monology noun

Etymology

Origin of monologue

1615–25; < French, on the model of dialogue dialogue; compare Greek monólogos speaking alone

Example Sentences

Neither lack for words, as they run through their grievance-filled monologues with a feverish mix of guilt and fury.

From Los Angeles Times

The “To be, or not to be” monologue came across as a rhetorical set piece that Hamlet has been polishing for ages.

From Los Angeles Times

Taylor’s monologue focused on the other interests and pursuits she has apart from acting in Oscar-nominated films, like directing and going to culinary school.

From Los Angeles Times

In the middle of the film, Rachel performs a monologue that, while breathtaking, isn’t quite perfect.

From Salon

She tried sketch writing, late-night TV writing, spec writing, but she quickly learned she didn’t actually want to write sketches or late-night monologues.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• discourse
• harangue
• lecture
• sermon
• soliloquy
• speech