If you refer to someone or the way they speak as monosyllabic, you mean that they say very little, usually because they do not want to have a conversation. He could be gruff and monosyllabic.

What does it mean if someone is monosyllabic?

1 : consisting of one syllable or of monosyllables. 2 : using or speaking only monosyllables. 3 : conspicuously brief in answering or commenting : terse.

Can a person be monosyllabic?

The definition of monosyllabic is a word with only one syllable or a person who uses short, abrupt words in conversation. The word cat is an example of a monosyllabic word. A sullen teenager who only uses short words to chat with his parents is an example of someone who is monosyllabic.