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

“Amadeus” relies heavy on monologues, and Mays is not only a crack ensemble player but also a master soloist.

From Los Angeles Times

“We were told in no uncertain terms by our network’s lawyers, who called us directly, that we could not have him on the broadcast,” Colbert said in a scathing 6½-minute monologue.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We don’t have a permit,” cracked host Ego Nwodim, riffing on scrappy independent tactics in her monologue.

From Los Angeles Times

“Maybe he’s writing a monologue about you,” Jack jokes.

From The Wall Street Journal

He would shake hands with fans before delivering his opening monologue.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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