monkhood

noun

monk·​hood ˈməŋk-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce monkhood (audio)
1
: the character, condition, or profession of a monk : monasticism
2
: monks as a class

Examples of monkhood in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Enrolling into monkhood may seem like a novel way of making amends, but the practice has become commonplace in Thailand, especially among people who have caused harm in public ways. Time, 29 June 2023 In an exclusive clip shared with PEOPLE, David tells his American family of his plan, and what the transition to monkhood actually entails. Kelly Wynne, Peoplemag, 7 Dec. 2022 After six months of devoted monkhood in the early 2000s and, having given up all his possessions, Chan found himself in the complete absence of artistic resources. Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 19 May 2021 Influential monks, who count army generals among those praying at their feet, preach that the Tatmadaw and Buddhist monkhood must unite to combat Islam. New York Times, 28 Mar. 2021 Most of all, women are increasingly speaking out against a patriarchy that has long controlled the military, the monarchy and the Buddhist monkhood, Thailand’s most powerful institutions. New York Times, 24 Sep. 2020 Buddhist males in Thailand are traditionally expected to enter the monkhood, often as novices, at some point in their lives to show gratitude, often toward their parents for raising them. Tassanee Vejpongsa, The Seattle Times, 24 July 2018 Isaiah was stripped of his monkhood days after the incident. Fox News, 11 Aug. 2018 The chief of Chiang Rai's Buddhism office said the boys and their coach will dedicate their act of entering the monkhood to the volunteer diver and former Thai navy SEAL who died in the cave while helping prepare for their rescue. Tassanee Vejpongsa, The Seattle Times, 24 July 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'monkhood.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of monkhood was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near monkhood

Cite this Entry

“Monkhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monkhood. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

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