abbey

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noun ab·bey \ˈa-bē\

Definition of abbey

plural

abbeys

1a : a monastery ruled by an abbotb : a convent ruled by an abbess
2 : an abbey church

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Examples of abbey in a Sentence

the monks in the abbey grow all their own vegetables

Recent Examples of abbey from the Web

Horchoff, a longtime volunteer in the abbey's woodworking enterprise, began producing honey at the abbey several years ago.

— kim chatelain, NOLA.com, "St. Joseph Abbey 'Abbee' honey returns to the shelves," 13 July 2017
The show took place in the garden of an old abbey on the West Bank in Paris.

— sophia panych, Allure, "Rodarte Took Flowers to the Next Level for Their Haute Couture Show," 2 July 2017
With a surprising diversity of scenic lanes, abbeys and wineries, the Tuscan countryside is a fine place to abandon your itinerary and just slow down.

— rick steves, USA TODAY, "Rick Steves: Tuscany for beginners," 10 June 2017
The Benedictine Abbey and school — the abbey was founded in 1947, and the academy in 1933 — has a tradition of longevity among its monks, faculty and staff.

— tom strong, Aurora Beacon-News, "'American hero' leaving Marmion after 57 years," 8 June 2017
Chimay’s history goes back to 1862, when it was founded at Notre-Dame de Scourmont, an abbey in the Ardennes.

— peter rowe, sandiegouniontribune.com, "From Belgium, with transatlantic gratitude — and beer," 8 June 2017
On Saint-Honorat, the abbey's upscale La Tonnelle restaurant highlights fresh Mediterranean ingredients in bounteous salads or the catch of the day, all enhanced with a glass of island wine and glorious views.

— jennifer ladonne, CNN, "Cannes day trips: The island retreats of Îles de Lérins," 24 May 2017
Beer from the abbey established in the 12th century plays a key role in the Danish company’s plan to expand sales of its higher-end brands, which are more profitable than its namesake lager.

— thomas buckley, Bloomberg.com, "God's Own Brewers Help Carlsberg Catch Up With Craft Beer," 19 May 2017
With a surprising diversity of scenic lanes, abbeys and wineries, Tuscany is a fine place to abandon your itinerary and just slow down.

— rick steves' europe, The Seattle Times, "Tuscany for beginners," 2 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'abbey.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of abbey

Middle English abbeye, abbay, borrowed from Anglo-French abeie, abbaye, borrowed from Medieval Latin abbātia “abbacy, abbey,” from Late Latin abbāt-, abbās abbot + Latin -ia ²-y

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First Known Use: 14th century

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