WordGarden.iomonogamy
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /mənˈɒɡæmi/
US
- /məˈnɑɡəmi/
Meanings
Noun
the practice or state of having only one spouse or committed partner at a time
a mating system in which an animal has one mate at a time or for a breeding period
Beyond the definition
Monogamy is not just about romance; it is a way of organizing relationships and families. Most people think of it as having only one romantic partner at a time, and that is the main idea. The word comes from Greek roots: monos, meaning "single," and gamos, meaning "marriage." In the past, it often referred more directly to being married to only one person at a time, in contrast to polygamy.
Today, we most often use it to describe marriage, dating, or long-term partnerships based on exclusivity. It is about commitment and being faithful to one person. In many cultures, it is treated as the usual relationship style, though it is not the only one. You might hear someone say they value it deeply, or talk about the challenges of keeping an exclusive relationship over time.
Monogamy, at its heart, means having only one partner at a time. People often connect it with modern romantic life, but the idea has a long history in law, society, and even biology. The term comes from the ancient Greek words monos ("single") and gamos ("marriage"), and it first had a strong connection to marriage itself.
Over time, the meaning of "monogamy" grew beyond legal marriage and came to include exclusive partnership more generally. In modern use, it usually describes an emotional and sexual relationship between two people who agree not to have other romantic or sexual partners. In biology, scientists also use the word for some animal species that stay with one mate for a season or, in some cases, for life.
In human life, monogamy is not only about personal feeling. It is also shaped by culture, religion, law, and social expectations. Different societies understand it in slightly different ways, and people may practice it according to their own values and agreements. For example, "serial monogamy" describes having one exclusive relationship after another, rather than several at the same time.
You might hear people talk about the benefits of monogamy, such as trust, stability, and emotional security. You may also hear it discussed in contrast with open relationships or other forms of non-monogamy. Someone might say, "She has always believed in monogamy," to show that it is an important personal value. In the end, the word points to the choice or practice of building an exclusive partnership with one person at a time.
Examples
- 1
Marriage ideal
In their community, monogamy is still seen as the ideal form of marriage.
- 2
Personal belief
She believes in monogamy, but she also thinks every couple should decide for themselves.
- Patternbelieve in monogamy
think it is the right or best kind of relationship
- 3
Relationship comparison
The article compares lifelong monogamy with other ways people form long-term relationships.
- 4
Sociology
Some sociologists describe modern dating culture as serial monogamy.
- Phraseserial monogamy
having one exclusive partner after another over time
See also
Similar
- exclusive relationship
- one-partner relationship
Shades of meaning
- exclusivity
- fidelity
- pair bonding
Contrast
- polygamy
- polyamory
Used with (collocations)
- practice monogamy
- strict monogamy
- serial monogamy
Word family
- monogamous
- monogamist
Explore
- relationship structure
- open relationship
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- monogamynoun