city, Barry and Lawrence counties, southwestern Missouri, U.S., in the Ozark Mountains, southeast of Joplin. Settled about 1837 and known first as Billing, then as Plymouth, it was renamed Monett in 1888 for an official of the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway (Frisco) Company.

The city developed as a railroad junction and trading centre for the surrounding berry- and tomato-growing area. The contemporary economy is still largely based on agriculture, and it is the site of dairy and poultry processing plants. A growing light-industrial sector produces commercial doors and windows, metal castings, and playground equipment.

Monett is located in an area of numerous caves and springs popular for outdoor recreation (hunting, fishing, and canoeing); the westernmost portion of Mark Twain National Forest, containing Table Rock Lake, is about 15 miles (25 km) southeast. Roaring River State Park is 22 miles (35 km) south. Inc. 1887. Pop. (2000) 7,396; (2005 est.) 8,349.