Unibrow vs. Monobrow — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 19, 2023
Unibrow and monobrow both refer to the joining of eyebrows over the bridge of the nose. They are synonymous and are used interchangeably.
Difference Between Unibrow and Monobrow
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Unibrow and monobrow both describe the appearance of a single, continuous eyebrow due to a lack of separation over the nose bridge. However, "unibrow" is more commonly used in American English, while "monobrow" tends to be more popular in British English.
The word "unibrow" originates from combining "uni-" meaning "one" with "brow," indicating one eyebrow. Monobrow similarly combines "mono-" meaning "single" with "brow." Both terms aim to capture the idea of a singular eyebrow, though they originate from different roots.
In terms of spelling, "unibrow" contains seven letters and "monobrow" contains eight. Both are compound words that blend their respective prefixes with "brow." Despite these slight variations, the words are essentially synonymous in meaning.
Unibrow and monobrow are both nouns and can be used in similar grammatical constructions. You could say, "He has a unibrow," or "He has a monobrow," and both would be understood the same way.
In popular culture, both "unibrow" and "monobrow" are widely understood, but you're more likely to hear "unibrow" in an American movie and "monobrow" in a British series. Regardless, they convey the same image: a single eyebrow rather than two separate ones.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
American English
British English
Prefix
"uni-" meaning "one"
"mono-" meaning "single"
Spelling
7 letters
8 letters
Syllables
3 syllables
3 syllables
Grammatical Usage
Used as a noun
Used as a noun
Compare with Definitions
Unibrow
Unibrow signifies a lack of gap or separation between two eyebrows.
His unibrow made him easily recognizable.
Monobrow
A monobrow is a singular eyebrow created by the meeting of both eyebrows above the nose.
He has a prominent monobrow.
Unibrow
A unibrow is an aesthetic feature where the two eyebrows connect over the nose.
Some cultures consider a unibrow a symbol of beauty.
Monobrow
Monobrow refers to the merging of two eyebrows into a single line over the bridge of the nose.
She thought her monobrow made her look unique.
Unibrow
A unibrow is a single eyebrow formed when the two eyebrows meet in the middle above the nose.
He plucked the hairs to get rid of his unibrow.
Monobrow
A monobrow is a cosmetic characteristic where two eyebrows join over the nose.
In some cultures, a monobrow is seen as a sign of intelligence.
Unibrow
Unibrow describes the fusion of two eyebrows into one across the bridge of the nose.
The actress had her unibrow waxed for her new role.
Monobrow
Monobrow is a continuous brow resulting from the connection of the left and right eyebrows.
He decided to keep his monobrow as a signature look.
Unibrow
A unibrow is an uninterrupted line of hair extending across the forehead, above the eyes.
Some people find a unibrow to be a unique feature.
Monobrow
A monobrow signifies a fusion of two eyebrows, without separation.
He thought his monobrow was a defining feature.
Unibrow
A unibrow (or jacco brow or monobrow; called synophrys in medicine) is a single eyebrow created when the two eyebrows meet in the middle above the bridge of the nose. The hair above the bridge of the nose is often of the same color and thickness as the eyebrows, giving the appearance that they converge to form one uninterrupted line of hair.
Monobrow
A pair of eyebrows that meet above the nose, giving the appearance of a single eyebrow
His wealth and cool outweigh his potato head and monobrow
Unibrow
A facial feature in which the eyebrows form a continuous line with little or no space in between. Also called monobrow.
Unibrow
A pair of eyebrows which meet in the middle.
Common Curiosities
Are unibrow and monobrow the same?
Yes, they refer to the same physical feature.
Are unibrow and monobrow nouns?
Yes, both are nouns.
Which term is more common in the U.S.?
Unibrow is more commonly used in the U.S.
Which term is more common in the U.K.?
Monobrow is more frequently used in the U.K.
Can these terms be used as verbs?
No, they are typically not used as verbs.
Do both terms have the same meaning?
Yes, both describe a single eyebrow formed by the merging of two.
Do unibrow and monobrow have negative connotations?
In some cultures, they might, but that's subjective.
What's the origin of "monobrow"?
It combines "mono-" and "brow," and is British in origin.
Can you use these words as adjectives?
Generally, they are used as nouns but could be used adjectivally in some contexts.
Can unibrow or monobrow be used in formal writing?
Yes, though they are more commonly seen in informal contexts.
Are these terms gender-specific?
No, they can be applied to anyone regardless of gender.
How many syllables are there in "unibrow" and "monobrow"?
Both have three syllables.
What's the origin of "unibrow"?
It's a combination of "uni-" and "brow," and is American in origin.
Is it possible to get rid of a unibrow or monobrow?
Yes, it can be removed through plucking, waxing, or other grooming methods.
Do unibrow and monobrow have plural forms?
Generally, they are not used in the plural form since they describe a singular feature.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
