monobrow: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Informal, colloquial, often humorous or mildly derogatory.
Quick answer
What does “monobrow” mean?
A single, continuous eyebrow formed when the two eyebrows grow together and meet above the bridge of the nose.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A single, continuous eyebrow formed when the two eyebrows grow together and meet above the bridge of the nose.
A facial feature often subject to cultural commentary, sometimes associated with stereotypes about masculinity, untidiness, or specific ethnic features. In fashion and beauty contexts, it may be discussed as a trend or a feature to be modified.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties. 'Unibrow' is the far more common and neutral term in American English. 'Monobrow' is more common in British English and can sound slightly more humorous or literary.
Connotations
In British English, it can carry a stronger class-based or comedic stereotype (e.g., of a certain type of 1970s comedian or footballer). In American English, 'unibrow' is the default, with 'monobrow' potentially sounding like a British affectation.
Frequency
Low frequency in formal contexts. 'Unibrow' is significantly more frequent in AmE corpus data.
Grammar
How to Use “monobrow” in a Sentence
have + a monobrowbe + known for + POSSESSIVE + monobrowpluck + POSSESSIVE + monobrowVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monobrow” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- His most distinctive feature was his formidable monobrow.
- The cartoonist exaggerated the villain's monobrow.
American English
- She decided to embrace her natural unibrow rather than wax it.
- In some cultures, a monobrow is considered a sign of beauty.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, except in anthropological, cultural studies, or medical contexts (where 'synophrys' is preferred).
Everyday
Used in informal description, gossip, or humour.
Technical
In dermatology or cosmetic medicine, 'synophrys' is the technical term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monobrow”
- Spelling: 'mono-brow' (hyphenated) is a common variant, though increasingly spelled as one word.
- Using it in a formal or complimentary context is often inappropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be perceived as rude or mocking if used to describe someone without their consent. It is informal and often used humorously. The more neutral descriptive term is 'unibrow', and the medical term is 'synophrys'.
They refer to the same physical feature. 'Unibrow' is the standard, more neutral term in American English. 'Monobrow' is more common in British English and can sound slightly more informal or whimsical.
Yes, the tendency for eyebrows to grow together is largely determined by genetics. It is a common trait in many populations worldwide.
No, it is exclusively a noun. You would say 'to have a monobrow' or 'to sport a monobrow'.
A single, continuous eyebrow formed when the two eyebrows grow together and meet above the bridge of the nose.
Monobrow is usually informal, colloquial, often humorous or mildly derogatory. in register.
Monobrow: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒn.əʊ.braʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑː.noʊ.braʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific. Sometimes used in similes: "He frowned, his monobrow knitting together like a furry caterpillar."”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MONO' meaning 'one' + 'BROW'. One single brow across your forehead.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE FACE IS A LANDSCAPE (the brow is a ridge, a furry bridge).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST neutral and commonly used term in American English?