Meaning & Definition of word "Monolingual"

Monolingual

/ˌmɒnəˈlɪŋɡwəl/

noun:

  • 1. a person who speaks only one language.
    • Example: As a monolingual, she found it challenging to communicate with her multilingual classmates.
  • 2. a thing, such as a book, that is written in only one language.
    • Example: The library has a wide selection of monolingual texts for language learners.

adjective:

  • 1. using or expressed in only one language.
    • Example: The monolingual education system in the region made it difficult for non-native speakers to integrate.
  • 2. pertaining to a person who speaks only one language.
    • Example: As a monolingual individual, he often struggled when traveling to countries with different languages.
  • 3. relating to a book or dictionary that provides definitions or information in a single language.
    • Example: The monolingual dictionary is a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of English.

Etymology

From the prefix 'mono-' meaning 'one' and 'lingual' relating to language.

Common Phrases and Expressions

monolingual education:

An education system where only one language is used.

monolingual speaker:

A person who can communicate in only one language.

Related Words

bilingual:

Able to speak two languages.

polyglot:

Able to speak multiple languages.

Slang Meanings of monolingual

Meaning: Language dinosaur

Example Sentence: He’s such a language dinosaur; he’s totally monolingual.