monastery

noun

mon·​as·​tery ˈmä-nə-ˌster-ē 

plural monasteries

: a house for persons under religious vows

especially : an establishment for monks

Synonyms of monastery

• cloister
• abbey

Examples of monastery in a Sentence

Gregory Mendel worked out his concepts of genetics by doing breeding experiments using pea plants in the monastery's garden.

Recent Examples on the Web

The always excellent Elizabeth Marvel projects wisdom and warmth as a caring nun at the monastery where Jane once lived, her open-mindedness toward cosmic forces that transcend religion conveyed with crisp economy. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2026

Highlights include Galician wine country and the monasteries of the Ribeira Sacra region. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026

Even at the New Camaldoli Hermitage, a Benedictine monastery above Lucia, the road’s reopening and coming summer season have made a difference. —Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026

The monastery and nearby botanical gardens doubled as part of the wealthy city of Qarth in Game of Thrones serving as the setting for a lavish garden party attended by Daenerys Targaryen. —Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English monasterie, from Late Latin monasterium, from Late Greek monastērion, from Greek, hermit's cell, from monazein to live alone, from monos single — more at monk

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for monastery

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• apiary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• bacillary
• beriberi
• bestiary
• breviary
• budgetary

Kids Definition

monastery

noun

mon·​as·​tery ˈmän-ə-ˌster-ē 

plural monasteries

: a place where a community of monks or nuns live and work

monasterial

ˌmän-ə-ˈstir-ē-əl

adjective