1. plural of monody; poems or songs expressing grief or lamentation, typically for one person
Usage: literary
2. musical compositions for a single voice, especially in early opera
Usage: music; historical

Examples

• The poet’s collection included several monodies written after his father’s death.
• Ancient Greek monodies were performed at funerals to honor the deceased.
• The composer specialized in writing monodies for soprano voice.
• Her monodies captured the deep sorrow felt by the entire community.
• Early Baroque monodies marked a departure from polyphonic music.
• The anthology featured monodies by various 17th-century poets.