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

Derived Forms

• ˌmonoˈsyllaˌbism, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of monosyllable¹

First recorded in 1525–35; mono- + syllable

Example Sentences

Even the policeman who is paid to direct you, replies to your inquiry with the shortest and gruffest monosyllable that will do.

From Project Gutenberg

We may also notice that com'th is a monosyllable , whereas trewely has three syllables, though in l. 35 it makes but two.

From Project Gutenberg

The first line can only be scanned by reading The ordre as Th'ordr' (monosyllable).

From Project Gutenberg

She looked at him for an appreciable fraction of a minute ere she answered, and when she did, it was in the monosyllable—‘Yes.’

From Project Gutenberg

She looked at him for an appreciable fraction of a minute ere she answered, and when she did, it was in the monosyllable—“Yes.”

From Project Gutenberg