hermit

noun

her·​mit ˈhər-mət 

1

a

: one that retires from society and lives in solitude especially for religious reasons : recluse

b

obsolete : beadsman

2

: a spiced molasses cookie

hermitism

ˈhər-mə-ˌti-zəm 

noun

Synonyms

• anchorite
• eremite
• isolate
• recluse
• solitary

Examples of hermit in a Sentence

St. Jerome is said to have spent two years as a hermit in the desert, searching for inner peace.

Recent Examples on the Web

Much later, in the ninth century, a hermit named Pelayo is said to have told Teodomiro about a strange shower of bright stars. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024

Some of these men and women lived alone, as hermits; others joined together in isolated communities of all men or all women. —Joanne M. Pierce, The Conversation, 30 July 2024

Although lacking any zest for life, middle-aged hermit Fatso is obsessed with immortality. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2024

Virgo Rising The month starts with the Leo full moon on Sunday, February 5, offering you a moment to embody the hermit archetype long associated with Virgo. —Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English heremite, eremite, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin eremita, from Late Greek erēmitēs, from Greek, adjective, living in the desert, from erēmia desert, from erēmos desolate

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing hermit

• hermit crab

Kids Definition

hermit

noun

her·​mit ˈhər-mət 

1

: one that lives apart from others especially for religious reasons : recluse

2

: a spiced molasses cookie