Meaning & use
monogram
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Meanings
nouncountable
A design made from one or more letters, usually a person's initials, used as a decorative symbol.
Grammar: Countable; you can have one monogram or several monograms.
Patterns
- a monogram on something
- a monogram of initials
- have a monogram
She had her monogram embroidered on the pocket of her shirt.
The silverware was engraved with a family monogram.
He chose a simple monogram for his business cards.
verbtransitive
To mark something with a monogram.
Grammar: Takes an object: monogram a handkerchief.
Patterns
- monogram something
- monogram something with initials
They monogrammed the towels with the couple's initials.
She asked the shop to monogram the leather bag.
Word forms
| plural | monograms |
|---|---|
| third person singular | monograms |
| past tense | monogrammed |
| past participle | monogrammed |
| -ing form | monogramming |
Common combinations
- embroidered monogram
- The handkerchief had a delicate embroidered monogram in the corner.
- family monogram
- The old chest bore the family monogram.
- monogrammed shirt
- He wore a monogrammed shirt to the interview.
- monogram on luggage
- A monogram on luggage helps you identify your bag.
Synonyms and how they differ
- initials
- Initials are just the letters; a monogram is a decorative design made from them.
- logo
- A logo represents a company or brand; a monogram is usually personal and made of letters.
Word family
- monogrammed adjective
- Having a monogram, as in 'monogrammed towels'.
Commonly confused: monogram or monograph? monogram or hologram?
monogram vs monograph
A monograph is a detailed scholarly book on one subject; a monogram is a design of letters.
monogram vs hologram
A hologram is a three-dimensional image made by laser; a monogram is a letter design.
Practice
What is a 'monogram'?
Choose one answer.
A monogram is a design made from letters, usually a person's initials. Option 1 is a monologue. Option 3 is a moneran. Option 4 is a monograph or diagram.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “monogram”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.