abbey

noun

ab·​bey ˈa-bē 

plural abbeys

1

a

: a monastery ruled by an abbot

b

: a convent ruled by an abbess

2

: an abbey church

Synonyms

• monastery
• cloister

Examples of abbey in a Sentence

the monks in the abbey grow all their own vegetables

Recent Examples on the Web

Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye, The Prettiest Village In France, 2025 The abbey of Saint Anthony is the main draw in France's prettiest village, 2025, classified as a historic monument in 1840 because of its medieval architecture. —Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025

While the abbey itself isn't open to the public, the adjoining church is, offering a glimpse into the life and legacy of the Benedictine monk who played a pivotal role in the development of this beloved libation. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2025

Wright was assigned the role of prior, the position just below the abbot, and was responsible for much of the operation of the abbey. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025

This property, which centers around an 11th-century Benedictine abbey, produces wine like the famous Chianti DOCG. —Keith Waldon, Travel + Leisure, 31 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

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 -y entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for abbey

• abbe
• cabbie
• cabby
• flabby
• gabby
• gaby
• scabby
• shabby
• tabby

Kids Definition

abbey

noun

ab·​bey ˈab-ē 

plural abbeys

1

a

: monastery

b

: convent

2

: a church that once belonged to an abbey

Westminster Abbey

Biographical Definition

Abbey

biographical name

Ab·​bey ˈa-bē 

Edwin Austin 1852–1911 American painter and illustrator