monogamy

noun

mo·​nog·​a·​my mə-ˈnä-gə-mē How to pronounce monogamy (audio)
1
a
: the state or practice of having only one sexual partner at a time
young couples who practice monogamy
b
: the state or custom of being married to only one person at a time
c
zoology : the condition or practice of having a single mate during a period of time
Monogamy is common among birds.
2
archaic : the practice of marrying only once during a lifetime

Examples of monogamy in a Sentence

young couples who practice monogamy Monogamy is common among birds.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
People are now more interested in open relationships, polyamorous relationships, and trying out things that work for them, and also the differences between what monogamy means. Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024 Despite my cries, everyone stays committed to traditional monogamy. Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2024 Vasopressin complements oxytocin by encouraging monogamy, loyalty and protective behaviors, supporting long-term attachment. Mark Travers, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 Interestingly, Carter notes that several men in the study firmly believed that humans are not biologically built for monogamy—suggesting that their infidelity was a natural and inevitable expression of human nature. Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for monogamy 

Word History

Etymology

French monogamie, from Late Latin monogamia, from Greek, from monogamos monogamous, from mon- + gamos marriage, from gamein to marry

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of monogamy was in 1612

Dictionary Entries Near monogamy

Cite this Entry

“Monogamy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monogamy. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

monogamy

noun
mo·​nog·​a·​my mə-ˈnäg-ə-mē How to pronounce monogamy (audio)
: marriage with only one person at a time
monogamous adjective

Medical Definition

monogamy

noun
mo·​nog·​a·​my -mē How to pronounce monogamy (audio)
plural monogamies
: the state or custom of being married to one person at a time or of having only one mate at a time
monogamous adjective
also monogamic
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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