monody

noun

mon·​o·​dy ˈmä-nə-dē How to pronounce monody (audio)
plural monodies
Synonyms of monodynext
1
: an ode sung by one voice (as in a Greek tragedy)
2
: an elegy or dirge performed by one person
3
a
: a monophonic vocal piece
b
: the monophonic style of 17th century opera
monodic
mə-ˈnä-dik How to pronounce monody (audio)
adjective
or monodical
mə-ˈnä-di-kəl How to pronounce monody (audio)

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin monodia, from Greek monōidia, from monōidos singing alone, from mon- + aeidein to sing — more at ode

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of monody was circa 1623

Dictionary Entries Near monody

monodramatist

monody

monodynamism

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Monody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monody. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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