monochrome

[ mon-uh-krohm ]

noun

1. a painting or drawing in different shades of a single color.
2. the art or technique of producing such a painting or drawing.
3. the state or condition of being painted, decorated, etc., in shades of a single color.

adjective

1. being or made in the shades of a single color:

   a blue monochrome seascape.

2. having the images reproduced in tones of gray:

   monochrome television.

monochrome

/ ˈmɒnəˌkrəʊm /

noun

1. a black-and-white photograph or transparency
2. photog black and white
3. 1. a painting, drawing, etc, done in a range of tones of a single colour
   2. the technique or art of this
4. modifier executed in or resembling monochrome

   a monochrome print

adjective

1. devoid of any distinctive or stimulating characteristics

Derived Forms

• ˈmonoˌchromist, noun
• ˌmonoˈchromic, adjective

Other Words From

• mono·chromic mono·chromi·cal adjective
• mono·chromi·cal·ly adverb
• mono·chromist noun
• mono·chromy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of monochrome¹

From the Medieval Latin word monochrōma, dating back to 1655–65. See mono-, -chrome

Word History and Origins

Origin of monochrome¹

C17: via Medieval Latin from Greek monokhrōmos of one colour

Example Sentences

Born into a family of self-described “motor heads,” identical twin artist duo the Perez Brothers present “Firme,” a collection of detailed, monochrome paintings in vivid color, evoking the one-of-a-kind murals synonymous with lowrider car culture.

From Los Angeles Times

In a marvelous 2018 installation at the Marciano Art Foundation near Hancock Park, the last substantive time his work was shown in Los Angeles, his projections of highly saturated color were produced by shining intense beams of pure white light through monochrome gels tucked up into the building’s rafters.

From Los Angeles Times

The photographer used a monochrome camera with a filter to capture the area.

From BBC

It’s also the name of one of his longest running and best-known bodies of work; begun in 2008, it features abstract paintings and drawings, mostly in black monochrome, depicting letters from the titular phrase and strokes of ink and gesso.

From New York Times

The performers, in monochrome streetwear, are illuminated by hazy spotlights.

From New York Times

Related Words

• consistent
• continual
• nonstop
• perpetual
• regular
• stable
• steady
• unbroken
• uninterrupted