nun

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈnən 

: a woman belonging to a religious order

especially : one under solemn vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience

nunlike

ˈnən-ˌlīk 

adjective

nun

2 of 2

noun (2)

ˈnu̇n 

: the 14th letter of the Hebrew alphabet see Alphabet Table

Examples of nun in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The nun study, launched in 1990 with 678 members of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, is back in focus after a 2025 scientific review reexamined what the project taught researchers about aging and dementia. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026

The nun study reshaped how scientists think about Alzheimer’s by showing that brain pathology and cognitive symptoms don’t always line up. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026

Apparently, the most competitive game of Ultimate Frisbee is played by nuns. — Gina Park, CNN Money, 16 July 2026

The legendary Bayeux Tapestry detailing William of Normandy’s 1066 conquest of England was embroidered, most likely by nuns, in England about 1,000 years ago. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English nunne, from Late Latin nonna

Noun (2)

Hebrew nūn

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

circa 1567, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nun

• bun
• done
• dun
• fun
• gun
• hun
• jun
• none
• one
• pun
• run
• shun

Kids Definition

nun

noun

ˈnən

: a woman belonging to a religious order

especially : one living under solemn vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience