monolith

[mon-uh-lith]

noun

1. an obelisk, column, large statue, etc., formed of a single block of stone.

2. a single block or piece of stone of considerable size, especially when used in architecture or sculpture.

3. something having a uniform, massive, redoubtable, or inflexible quality or character.

monolith

/ ˈmɒnəlɪθ /

noun

1. a large block of stone or anything that resembles one in appearance, intractability, etc

2. a statue, obelisk, column, etc, cut from one block of stone

3. a large hollow foundation piece sunk as a caisson and having a number of compartments that are filled with concrete when it has reached its correct position

Other Word Forms

• monolithism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of monolith¹

First recorded in 1820–30; from Latin monolithus, from Greek monólithos “made of one stone”; equivalent to mono- + -lith

Word History and Origins

Origin of monolith¹

C19: via French from Greek monolithos made from a single stone

Example Sentences

But Mennonites are not a monolith, she said, and many have embraced vaccinations.

From BBC

"I believe human beings are multi-faceted, we are not a monolith," he said.

From BBC

“What about the b— that crumbles easily? We exist! We are not a monolith… No, no, no... I am Father.”

From Los Angeles Times

Now Franz wants to find somebody to open a small cafe or pizzeria at the venue, but needs to get rid of the pop monolith first.

From BBC

So whatever qualms we may have on the nuance level, to the outside world we’re a monolith, even though we know we aren’t.

From Los Angeles Times