Definition

Noun: A pattern of forming a series of short-term, exclusive romantic partnerships one after another, rather than having multiple partners simultaneously or a single lifelong partnership. Each relationship is characterized by monogamous commitment during its duration.

Usage

This term is used to describe a common relationship pattern in modern societies. It is often discussed in sociological, anthropological, and psychological contexts to analyze trends in marriage, divorce, and partnership.

Examples

• After his third divorce, his friends joked that he had become a specialist in serial monogamy.
• The study examined the phenomenon of serial monogamy and its impact on family structures.
• She wasn't interested in casual dating; her pattern was one of intense, serial monogamy.

Advanced Usage

• The term can carry a neutral, descriptive tone in academic writing but may imply criticism or instability in everyday conversation.
• It is often contrasted with lifelong monogamy (one partner for life) and polyamory (multiple concurrent partners with consent).

Variants and Related Words

• Monogamy (n): The practice of having only one romantic or sexual partner at a time.
• Serial (adj): Forming or arranged in a series.

Synonyms

• Successive partnerships
• Sequential monogamy

Related Phrases/Idioms

• On the relationship escalator: A related concept describing the expectation that a series of monogamous relationships will follow a progressive path (dating, moving in, marriage, children), which is reset with each new partner in serial monogamy.

Noun

1. a succession of short monogamous relationships (as by someone who undergoes multiple divorces)