A monocle is a type of spectacles (corrective lenses) used to correct the vision in only one eye. It consists of a circular lens, generally with a wire ring around the circumference that can be attached to a string. The other end of the string is then connected to the wearer's clothing to avoid losing the monocle.

The monocle itself is not so much worn as it is held in place by the wearers facial muscles. The monocle is sized such that it can be held in place between the wearers eyebrow and upper cheek by a slight squint. Because of this, the monocle can easily fall off with the wrong facial expression. One comedy cliché exploits this: an upper-class gentleman drops his monocle (usually into a drink) when he pulls a shocked expression.

Usage of a monocle is generally associated with rich upper-class men, as well as uptight individuals. Combined with a tuxedo and top-hat, it completes the costume of a stereotypical gentleman. Its use was more prevalent in the late 19th Century and is rarely seen worn today.

Some famous figures known for wearing monocles include British politician Joseph Chamberlain and his son Austen, Portuguese President António de Spínola , Mr. Peanut, Batman's nemesis The Penguin, and Colonel Klink, played by actor Werner Klemperer (who once admitted his was held in place with spirit gum). The fictional character Lord Peter Wimsey, an amateur detective from an upper-class background, possessed a set of detecting tools disguised as more gentlemanly accessories, including a powerful magnifying glass disguised as a monocle.

Famous wearers today include astronomer Sir Patrick Moore and former boxer Chris Eubank.

Monocle was also a US satire magazine, published irregularly from the late 1950s until the mid-Sixties. For at least the majority of its run, it was edited by Victor Navasky. [1]