monogamy

[ muh-nog-uh-mee ]
/ məˈnɒg ə mi /

noun

marriage with only one person at a time. Compare bigamy, polygamy.
Zoology. the practice of having only one mate.
the practice of marrying only once during life.
Compare digamy.

Origin of monogamy

1605–15; < Late Latin monogamia < Greek monogamía. See mono-, -gamy

Example sentences from the Web for monogamy

British Dictionary definitions for monogamy

monogamy
/ (mɒˈnɒɡəmɪ) /

noun

the state or practice of having only one husband or wife over a period of time Compare bigamy, polygamy (def. 1), digamy
zoology the practice of having only one mate

Derived forms of monogamy

monogamous, adjective monogamously, adverb monogamousness, noun

Word Origin for monogamy

C17: via French from Late Latin monogamia, from Greek; see mono- + -gamy

Medical definitions for monogamy

monogamy
[ mə-nŏgə-mē ]

n.

The practice or condition of being married to only one person at a time.
The condition of having only one mate.

Other words from monogamy

mo•noga•mous adj.

Cultural definitions for monogamy

monogamy
[ (muh-nog-uh-mee) ]

A form of marriage in which one man is united with one woman. (Compare polyandry and polygamy.)