What does monocle mean?
A monocle is an eyeglass with a single lens, traditionally held in front of one eye by a frame and sometimes secured with a cord. In modern usage, the word often suggests an old-fashioned, cultivated, or deliberately eccentric style, especially in literature, theatre, and costume. It may also refer to the monocle crab, a broad-bodied crab whose eyes are partly enclosed by the shell. Although a monocle serves the practical purpose of correcting or magnifying vision for one eye, its distinctive appearance has made it especially useful as a cultural symbol of refinement, eccentricity, and Victorian or Edwardian style. The word is uncommon in everyday descriptions of ordinary glasses, but remains readily understood and is often used to create a period or theatrical effect.
nounA single-lensed eyeglass, typically held in place by a frame or attached to a cord. The word can also refer by extension to a small, one-eyed crab of the genus Calappa.
- A single-lensed eyeglass, especially one used as a fashion accessory or associated with a formal or distinctive appearance.
"He adjusted the monocle in his eye and surveyed the room with theatrical suspicion."
"The professor read the newspaper through a monocle, one eyebrow raised."
"She wore a monocle to the masquerade, completing her eccentric period costume."
The standard plural of the noun is monocles.
"A display case held several antique monocles and their cords."
A single lens becomes an emblem of old-world refinement when it is called a monocle.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does monocle come from?
The word entered English from French monocle, a term built from Greek roots meaning “single” and “eye.” The Greek element monos is also the source of related English words such as monocular, monosyllable, monogram, and monopoly. The English spelling and pronunciation became established in the 18th century, when single-lensed eyeglasses were worn and carried as fashionable accessories.
How monocle is actually used
The eyeglass sense is familiar chiefly through historical writing, literature, and costume descriptions, although monocles remain a recognizable fashion accessory. The alternative reference to a one-eyed crab is common in biological and natural-history contexts.
Easily confused with monocle
A monocle is a single-lensed eyeglass, whereas monocular describes something designed for, or having, one eye.