rhizoverbBeta
DictionarymonologueSpeech by one person
noun / verb

monologue

MAH-nuh-lawg/ˈmɑːnəlɔːɡ/

A long speech by one person without conversational exchange.

The actor delivers a dramatic monologue while the seated audience listens.

A sustained dramatic solo speech: one expressive actor commands a small theater stage while seated spectators listen.
Etymology
monoGreeksingle, alone
+logueGreekspeech, word

The pieces describe speaking alone: a dramatic scene in which one person speaks alone. The word also names a long speech delivered by a single speaker.

In context

Ethan Nestor41:22
… deliver a long rambling monologue full of unnecessary verbal flourishes and lengthy ruminations on the nature of choice …
Press Here for NEW CONTENT | The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe

More examples

  • He monologues about his favorite movies while everyone else listens.
  • The actor rehearses her monologue before the audition.
  • I ask one question and get a twenty-minute monologue.

Forms

monologue · monologues · monologued · monologuing

monologist noun — A person who performs or delivers monologues.

Similar words

speech
A broader term that includes brief talks and audience interaction.
soliloquy
A dramatic speech expressing private thoughts rather than addressing others.