monopod: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, formal (in photography); Specialised, historical (in mythology/biology).
Quick answer
What does “monopod” mean?
A portable support with a single leg, used to steady a camera, telescope, or other piece of equipment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A portable support with a single leg, used to steady a camera, telescope, or other piece of equipment.
Any structure or creature with a single foot or support; in biology, a mythical one-footed creature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling and usage are identical.
Connotations
Primarily associated with photography in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse, but standard within photography communities worldwide.
Grammar
How to Use “monopod” in a Sentence
VERB + monopod: use, carry, extend, collapse, attach, mountmonopod + VERB: supports, extends, collapses, stabilisesADJ + monopod: lightweight, telescopic, portable, sturdymonopod + for + NOUN: a monopod for birdwatching, a monopod for low-light photographyVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in retail for photography equipment.
Academic
Used in technical photography or optics papers; also in classical studies for references to mythical creatures.
Everyday
Rare, except among photography enthusiasts.
Technical
Standard term in photography, videography, and optics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monopod”
- Confusing it with 'tripod'. Spelling as 'monoped' or 'monopeed'. Incorrect plural: 'monopodes' (correct: 'monopods').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, unlike a tripod, a monopod cannot stand independently; it must be held or braced against something.
Yes, especially when combined with a fluid video head, it is excellent for creating smooth, mobile shots.
A selfie stick is designed to hold a smartphone at a distance for self-portraits. A monopod is a sturdier support for heavier cameras/lenses, often with a professional mounting head.
Rarely. In historical or mythological contexts, it can refer to a legendary one-footed creature, but this usage is highly specialised and uncommon.
A portable support with a single leg, used to steady a camera, telescope, or other piece of equipment.
Monopod is usually technical, formal (in photography); specialised, historical (in mythology/biology). in register.
Monopod: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒn.əʊ.pɒd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑː.noʊ.pɑːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like a monopod in a hurricane (extremely unstable)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MONO (one) + POD (foot) = a one-footed stand.
Conceptual Metaphor
STABILITY IS A BASE; MOBILITY IS A SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary advantage of a monopod over a tripod in certain situations?