What characterizes monophonic texture in music?

Monophonic texture in music is characterized by a single melody line without any harmony or accompaniment. This means there is only one musical line being played, which can be sung or played by an instrument, and it exists independently without any other voices or chords supporting it. Examples of monophonic music can be found in a simple folk song sung by one person, or a single flute playing a melody.

While other textures such as polyphonic (multiple melodies played at once) and homophonic (a melody with chords or harmony) involve more complexity and the interaction of several musical lines, monophony remains distinct in its simplicity, emphasizing the clarity of the single melodic line. Rhythmic patterns may be present, but they do not define the texture itself; rather, they enhance a melody when relevant. The focus in monophonic texture is solely on that singular melodic voice.