monastery

noun

mon·​as·​tery ˈmä-nə-ˌster-ē 

plural monasteries

: a house for persons under religious vows

especially : an establishment for monks

Synonyms of monastery

• cloister
• abbey

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

It’s widely believed the relics later multiplied; most are enshrined in a memorial stupa at Kopan monastery in Nepal. —Deepa Bharath, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026

It's widely believed the relics later multiplied; most are enshrined in a memorial stupa at Kopan monastery in Nepal. —ABC News, 1 Mar. 2026

The shape of cup and saucer vine has led to its many nicknames, including cathedral bells and monastery bells. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026

Activities Personalised treks to experience the character and charm of nearby villages, mountains, monasteries and lakes are led by highly knowledgeable guides such as Gyaljen Sherpa, 36, a veteran of Himalayan trekking. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026

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

Rhymes for monastery

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

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