Monogamy - meaning and definition
Alsomonogamous relationshipmonomonogamistmonogomy
Definition
A relationship structure in which two people agree to be romantically and sexually involved only with each other.
At a glance
- Often treated as the default, although it is one relationship choice among several.
- Couples draw the line in different places, for example around flirting or close friendships.
- Talking openly about what exclusivity means helps avoid unspoken assumptions.
- It tends to work best when both partners have genuinely chosen it.
In detail
Monogamy is the most widely assumed relationship model in many cultures, and it is often treated as the default rather than a choice. In practice, couples define it in different ways: some consider flirting or close emotional friendships outside the relationship acceptable, while others do not.
Because expectations vary, many relationship educators encourage monogamous couples to talk openly about what exclusivity means to them, instead of relying on unspoken assumptions. Monogamy can be a deeply fulfilling choice, and it works best when both partners have genuinely chosen it.
In a sentence
- We're monogamous, but we still had to talk about whether messaging an ex is okay.
- My profile says I'm looking for something monogamous and long term.
Where the word comes from
From the Greek monos (single) and gamos (marriage). It first described being married to one person, and later came to mean any exclusive romantic and sexual partnership.
Not to be confused with
- Exclusive
Being exclusive is often an early dating stage, while monogamy describes a longer-term relationship agreement.
Common questions
Is monogamy natural for humans?
Researchers still debate this, and human cultures have practised many relationship models. What matters most for a relationship is not what is natural in general, but what the people in it have chosen and agreed.
Does monogamy mean no close friends of another gender?
Not necessarily. Each couple decides what exclusivity covers. Some are relaxed about close friendships and flirting, others are not, which is why it helps to talk about it rather than assume.