monosyllable

American  

[mon-uh-sil-uh-buhl] / ˈmɒn əˌsɪl ə bəl /

noun

1. a word of one syllable, as yes or no.

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monosyllable British  

/ ˈmɒnəˌsɪləbəl /

noun

1. a word of one syllable, esp one used as a sentence

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Other Word Forms

• monosyllabism noun

Etymology

Origin of monosyllable

First recorded in 1525–35; mono- + syllable

Example Sentences

Not the babbling single syllables driven by the desire for food and the surprise of monosyllables falling from his hungry lips.

From Seattle Times

Giorgetti tends to communicate in gruff monosyllables and unlike his recent predecessors in the role, he speaks little English.

From Reuters

In the titular opening line of “All Up In Your Mind,” she delivers her monosyllables in a skull-penetrating staccato, then burrows in deep, the way only the best pop singers can.

From Washington Post

The acting here is quite good, particularly by Kaluuya, who exudes the strong, silent air of a modern Gary Cooper, all shrugs and monosyllables, and Palmer, who is his much more expressive foil.

From Washington Post

"His breath is also improving, this can be heard in his voice which is gaining in power. Phrases where he communicates only in monosyllables tend to be spaced out."

From BBC