monosyllable

[mon-uh-sil-uh-buhl]

noun

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

monosyllable

/ ˈmɒnəˌsɪləbəl /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• monosyllabism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of monosyllable¹

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.

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

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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.

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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.

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"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."

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