monastery

noun

mon·​as·​tery ˈmä-nə-ˌster-ē 

plural monasteries

: a house for persons under religious vows

especially : an establishment for monks

Synonyms

• abbey
• cloister
• friary
• hermitage
• priory

Examples of monastery in a Sentence

Gregory Mendel worked out his concepts of genetics by doing breeding experiments using pea plants in the monastery's garden.

Recent Examples on the Web

But the careful, eight-year renovation has breathed a second life into this 13th-century monastery complex concealed behind ancient walls within the city’s Botanic Gardens. —Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2024

Sitting high above the Chora, and visible from nearly every vantage point on the island, the monastery is accessible through a labyrinth of stone pathways leading to the gate that opens to the courtyard revealing stone archways, towers, and ramparts reflective of the Byzantine architectural style. —Monica Mendal, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2024

Mustang’s history is a chronicle of intense physical hardship and spiritual striving, the symbols of which are mountains and monasteries. —Chandrahas Choudhury, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 July 2024

At least 600 are now taking refuge in a monastery near the border after the village of Ain Ebl received a warning from the Israeli military, the sources added. —Fox News, 2 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English monasterie, from Late Latin monasterium, from Late Greek monastērion, from Greek, hermit's cell, from monazein to live alone, from monos single — more at monk

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

monastery

noun

mon·​as·​tery ˈmän-ə-ˌster-ē 

plural monasteries

: a place where a community of monks or nuns live and work

monasterial

ˌmän-ə-ˈstir-ē-əl

adjective