monotone

1 of 2

noun

mono·​tone ˈmä-nə-ˌtōn 

1

: a succession of syllables, words, or sentences in one unvaried key or pitch

read the story in a low monotone

2

: a single unvaried musical tone

3

: a tedious sameness or reiteration

a monotone of lifeless desert

4

: a person unable to produce or to distinguish between musical intervals

monotone

2 of 2

adjective

1

: monotonic sense 2

2

: having a uniform color

Synonyms of monotone

Noun

• monotony
• boredom
• humdrum

Examples of monotone in a Sentence

Noun

She read the story in a dull monotone.

He sang in a soft, low monotone.

She spoke in a monotone voice.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Savage, a monotone leader, showed a single spec of emotion when asked about Cholowsky’s impact on the program. —Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 1 June 2026

Even when tasked to outfit the girls in monotone uniforms, the costume designer Shirley Kurata adds individuality with textures of sheers, cutouts and pleats. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026

Adjective

People are moving away from sleek, monotone bathrooms and toward rich, artisanal finishes and layered textures, according to design duo Evan Edward. —Sophie Aliece Hollis, Martha Stewart, 11 June 2026

In an effort to break up the monotone look, try navy instead. —Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 3 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from Late Latin monotonon, noun derivative from neuter of Greek monótonos "having one tone" (only as adverb monotónōs), from mono- mono- + -tonos, adjective derivative of tónos "stretching, tightening, pitch of the voice" — more at tone entry 1

Adjective

earlier, "lacking variation in pitch," borrowed from Late Latin monotonus, borrowed from Greek monótonos — more at monotone entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for monotone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

Kids Definition

monotone

noun

mono·​tone

ˈmän-ə-ˌtōn

1

: a series of syllables, words, or sentences on one unchanging key or pitch

speak in a monotone

2

: a single unchanging musical tone

3

: a boring sameness or repetition

a monotone of suburban houses