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Definition of monolingual

monolingual

/ˌmɑːnoʊˈlɪŋɡwəl/
mon · o · lin · gual
Adverb:monolingually
•
Plural:monolinguals
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monolingual Lexical Profile

monolingual Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Speaking, understanding, or using only a single language.

Example

"Growing up in a predominantly monolingual household, he did not begin studying a second language until high school."

2

Written, expressed, or conducted in only one language (especially of a dictionary, text, or course).

Example

"Advanced students are encouraged to transition from a bilingual lexicon to a comprehensive monolingual dictionary."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A person who speaks or understands only one language.

Example

"The cognitive study compared the memory retention of lifelong monolinguals with that of fluent bilinguals."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for monolingual
Antonyms
View all antonyms for monolingual

• Rhymes for monolingual

• Nearby Words

monogamy
monogram
monohulled
monolingual
monolinguist
monolith
monolithic

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century from the Greek prefix 'mono-' (meaning 'one' or 'single') and the Latin adjective 'lingualis', derived from 'lingua' (meaning 'tongue' or 'language').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Monolingual. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/monolingual
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