# monogamous

/məˈnɑɡəməs/ (US) · /mənˈɒɡɐməs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/monogamous
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

having only one partner at a time. In nature, this describes animals or plants that do not share their mate or their seeds with others.

For teachers: having or practising only one sexual partner at a time. In a botanical context, it refers to plants that produce only one type of seed or flower.

## Examples

- The bird is a monogamous species that stays with its mate for life.
- Many social animals are monogamous, forming long-term pair bonds to raise their young together.
- While most plants are polygamous, some species are strictly monogamous, ensuring that genetic material is shared only within a single, stable pairing.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.