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

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

From BBC

He is best known for his all-blue monochrome paintings, those rectangles of unalloyed color that are invariably the first thing you notice when one is present.

From New York Times

Three large square canvases covered in crushed crystal and ground mineral pigment by Kate Spencer Stewart could almost pass for dark brown monochromes.

From New York Times

Lloyd's revival of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical was staged with a monochrome colour scheme and a minimalist set design.

From BBC

Their monochrome designs date back to the 18th century and May is determined to keep the tradition going.

From BBC

Related Words

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