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Definition of "monotone" []

  • A succession of sounds or words uttered in a single tone of voice. (noun)
  • Music A single tone repeated with different words or time values, especially in a rendering of a liturgical text. (noun)
  • Music A chant in a single tone. (noun)
  • Sameness or dull repetition in sound, style, manner, or color. (noun)
  • Characterized by or uttered in a monotone: a monotone recitation of names. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "monotone" in a sentence
  • "It features Kareem Abdul Jabbar jabbering in monotone about the dangers of strangers, among things."
  • "Barbara Wersba's review topped the Times's page, headlined "One of the most moving books ever written for children ..." and below followed June Jordan's: ".... or just another horror story told in monotone?""
  • "Synopsis: An chiaroscurist - an artist who specializes in monotone pictures which highlight might and shadow - sculpts the face of god in a monastery."