What does monogamous mean?
Monogamous describes a person, relationship, or social or biological system in which there is only one spouse or sexual partner at a time. The word is frequently used in biology to describe animals that form stable pair bonds, and in the social sciences to examine marriage, fidelity, and family structures. In everyday discussion, it generally means that partners are faithful or do not have concurrent romantic or sexual relationships, although the precise scope of that commitment can vary by context. Monogamy is the corresponding noun, while monogamist names someone who practices or supports it. The term comes from Greek roots meaning “one” and “marriage.” It is useful because it distinguishes exclusive pair bonding from polygamous or non-monogamous arrangements, while also encouraging careful attention to the difference between social status, legal marriage, and sexual exclusivity.
adjectiveHaving only one spouse or sexual partner at a time, especially within a committed relationship or marriage. It can also describe a social or biological arrangement involving one mate at a time.
- Having only one husband, wife, or sexual partner at a time.
- Relating to or based on a form of marriage or mating in which an individual has one partner at a time.
"The research examines how monogamous relationships are maintained over time."
"Many bird species are socially monogamous during the breeding season."
"She described their relationship as monogamous but maintained that fidelity requires constant communication."
Monogamy takes its name from the Greek words for “one” and “marriage,” a pairing that has shaped both human relationships and the study of animal mating systems.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does monogamous come from?
Monogamous was formed in the early 19th century from monogamy, which comes from Greek mono- meaning “single” or “one” and gamos meaning “marriage.” The underlying marriage root also appears in related English words such as polygamy, bigamy, and monandry. The word entered scholarly usage as a description of marriage and later became common in discussions of animal mating and pair-bonding behavior.
Related word forms
How monogamous is actually used
The term is common in biology, anthropology, sociology, and discussions of relationships. In general conversation, it may sound formal or clinical, and its interpretation can depend on whether it refers to social fidelity, exclusive sexual relationships, or legal marriage.
Easily confused with monogamous
Monogamous is an adjective describing a person, relationship, or system, whereas monogamy is the noun naming the practice or principle of having one spouse or mate at a time.
Monogamous describes a relationship or arrangement, while monogamist is a noun for a person who practices or advocates monogamy.