monolithic

adjective

mono·​lith·​ic ˌmä-nə-ˈli-thik 

1

a

: of, relating to, or resembling a monolith : huge, massive

a large monolithic building

an influential monolithic organization

b(1)

: formed from a single crystal

a monolithic silicon chip

(2)

: produced in or on a monolithic chip (see chip entry 1 sense 6b)

a monolithic circuit

2

a

: cast as a single piece

a monolithic concrete wall

b

: formed or composed of material without joints or seams

a monolithic floor covering

c

: consisting of or constituting a single unit

3

a

: constituting a massive undifferentiated and often rigid whole

a monolithic society

b

: exhibiting or characterized by often rigidly fixed uniformity

monolithic party unity

monolithically

ˌmä-nə-ˈli-thi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of monolithic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The exhibition intimates that art and science are not immutable areas of study but culturally specific and ever-evolving concepts, their malleability belied by the monolithic nature of these terms as stated in PST ART’s theme. —Michaëla De Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2025

Microservices may be smaller and easier to maintain than their monolithic predecessors, but running them comes at a cost. —Matt Butcher, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024

Climbing, free of ropes, the series of monolithic slabs that frame the town, is my way of feeling connected to nature and myself. —Diana Boyer, Outside Online, 13 Dec. 2024

Within the 102-member caucus are distinct if shifting centers of power and influence: a moderate faction, a larger progressive group, and a Black and Puerto Rican Caucus that is influential though hardly monolithic in its views. —Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see monolith

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1a