Monogamous, also called Monoamorous or sometimes called Monogamic, is a term for an individual who is only with one partner at a time.[1][2][3] A monogamous relationship can be of any kind, whether sexual, romantic or another kind.[3]
Monogamy is often used as a catch-all term for an exclusive relationship between two individuals. However, monogamy is more accurately described as being married to one individual at a time, while monoamorous is used for having one partner at a time.[1] There are some cases where someone who is monogamous could have a partnership with someone who is polyamorous, in which case the relationship itself may not be monogamous, but one of the individuals involved still is.[4]
History
The first known use of the term "monogamous" was in 1770.[2]
Flags & Symbols
The monogamous flag was posted onto the DeviantArt account FlagsforCisHets on August 4, 2016. There is no known meaning behind the flag.[5]
Subterms
| Label | Flag | Description | Coiner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monogamish | 
|
One is typically monogamous, but there may be exceptions. | nonmonoprideflags[6] |
Related Terms
| Label | Relationship | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Polyamorous | Opposite | A term for those who desires a relationship with more than one individual at once. |
Sources
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 “Reddit - Dive into Anything.” Reddit.com, 2018, www.reddit.com/r/monogamy/comments/a1vbsz/monogamy_vs_monoamory_distinction/. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 “Definition of MONOGAMOUS.” Www.merriam-Webster.com, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monogamous.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Contributors, WebMD Editorial. “What Is Monogamy?” WebMD, 8 Nov. 2023, www.webmd.com/sex/monogamy-and-polyamory.
- ↑ Sheff, Elisabeth. “Monogamous by Orientation.” Psychology Today, 2020, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-polyamorists-next-door/202003/monogamous-by-orientation .
- ↑ FlagsforCisHets. “Monogamy Pride Flag [1] by FlagsforCisHets on DeviantArt.” Deviantart.com, DeviantArt, 4 Aug. 2016, www.deviantart.com/flagsforcishets/art/Monogamy-pride-flag-1-625976852. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 pride-color-schemes. “Monogamish.” Tumblr, 3 July 2016, pride-color-schemes.tumblr.com/post/146830876890/monogamish. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.