© 2026 Sloth Lingo. Learn easy. Lounge wisely.

monophagy

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //məˈnɒfədʒi//

KK: /mɑˈnɑfədʒi/

noun
Definition

The practice of eating only one kind of food, such as a specific type of plant or animal.


Example

Some animals, like koalas, are known for their monophagy, as they primarily eat eucalyptus leaves.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of monophagy?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's when animals only eat one type of food, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! I read that some species really thrive on monophagy.
Sloth B
That’s interesting! It must be tough for them if their food source gets scarce.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
specialization
uniquity
monotrophy
Antonyms
omnivory
diversity
variety
Root Explanation

Monophagy → It is formed from "mono-" (from Greek "monos", meaning single or alone) and "phagy" (from Greek "phagein", meaning to eat). The word describes the practice of eating only one type of food.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mono-' meaning 'single' and 'phagy' meaning 'to eat' — this helps you remember that monophagy refers to eating only one type of food.

Visually Confused Words
omophagy
onychophagy
Is this page helpful?