Word
monogram
Phoneticsmono·gram
US/ˈmɑnəˌɡɹæm/
UK/mˈɒnəʊɡɹˌæm/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a design made by mixing two or more letters together, usually the first letters of a person's name. You often see them on expensive clothes, bags, or towels.
n. a motif of two or more interwoven letters, typically the initials of an individual or a company, used as a decorative identification mark. Often applied to personal property through embroidery, engraving, or printing.
Examples
“She has a gold monogram on her leather wallet.”
“The hotel provides high-quality bathrobes featuring a subtle monogram of the brand's initials on the chest pocket.”
“While modern logos are often abstract, the classic monogram remains a staple of luxury branding, conveying a sense of heritage and bespoke craftsmanship through its intricate, overlapping typography.”
Examples
simple
“She has a gold monogram on her leather wallet.”
contextual
“The hotel provides high-quality bathrobes featuring a subtle monogram of the brand's initials on the chest pocket.”
complex
“While modern logos are often abstract, the classic monogram remains a staple of luxury branding, conveying a sense of heritage and bespoke craftsmanship through its intricate, overlapping typography.”
Real-World Examples
“Once a stuffy house known primarily for its leather goods (and very often faked monogram bags in street markets worldwide), Alboh managed to crash this world with the youthful energy of streetwear.” “Oxford Street’s newest pop-up, Hus of Frakta, offers a monogrammed Ikea bag.” “You can customize this lovely and affordable hardback notebook with details such as monogramming and cover colors.” Etymology
From French monogramme, from the Classical Latin adjective monogrammus, from the conjectured Ancient Greek * μονόγραμμος (monógrammos, “outlined”, “drawn with single lines”).
Formed as mono- + -gram, by analogy with epigram.
The noun derives from the post-Classical Latin monogrammum, itself from the Byzantine Greek μονόγραμμον (monógrammon); compare the French and Middle French monogramme, as well as the Italian monogramma. The verb derives from the noun; compare the earlier adjective monogrammed and the slightly earlier noun monogramming.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/monogram