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abbot

noun

ab·​bot ˈa-bət How to pronounce abbot (audio)
Synonyms of abbotnext
: the superior of a monastery for men

Examples of abbot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The abbot later said the temple would cover her medical expenses, according to Pairat. Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 25 Nov. 2025 The abbot said the temple would cover her medical expenses, according to Pairat. CNN Money, 25 Nov. 2025 The temple will cover her medical expenses, Pairat said, citing the abbot. Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025 Local spats could now feed into a mass movement that spread far beyond individual disputes between a peasant and a particularly nasty abbot or lord. Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abbot

Word History

Etymology

Middle English abbot, abbod, going back to Old English, borrowed from Late Latin abbāt-, abbās, borrowed from Late Greek abbâs (also, a title of respect given to monks), borrowed from Aramaic abbā "father"

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Abbot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abbot. Accessed 7 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

abbot

noun
ab·​bot ˈab-ət How to pronounce abbot (audio)
: the head of a monastery for men

More from Merriam-Webster on abbot

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