monogram

/ˌmɑnəˈgræm/

Other forms: monogrammed; monograms; monogramming

If you've ever had a set of stationery with your initials printed on it, you know what a monogram is — it's those three letters at the top.

When you buy a towel, a blanket, or a sweater you can often pay a little extra for a monogram, to get the initials of your first, middle, and last names embroidered on them. Writing paper, wedding invitations, envelopes, and other paper goods are commonly printed with a monogram — or monogrammed. Fancy silverware can also be imprinted with a monogram, as can gold and silver jewelry. The root is Greek, monogrammon, which means "intertwined letters."

Definitions of monogram

1. noun

   a graphic symbol consisting of 2 or more letters combined (usually your initials); printed on stationery or embroidered on clothing
   type of:

   symbol

   an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance
2. verb

   mark, print, or embroider with one’s initials or other letters
   type of:

   adorn, beautify, decorate, embellish, grace, ornament

   make more attractive by adding ornament, color, etc.