'monophony' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'monophōnia,' where 'mono-' meant 'single' and 'phōnē' meant 'sound or voice.'

'monophōnia' transformed into the Latin word 'monophonia,' and eventually became the modern English word 'monophony.'

Initially, it meant 'single sound or voice,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.