monastic

adjective

mo·nas·tic | \ mə-ˈna-stik

Definition of monastic

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : of or relating to monasteries or to monks or nuns the rituals of monastic life

2 : resembling (as in seclusion or ascetic simplicity) life in a monastery shows a monastic dedication to his job

monastic

noun

plural monastics

Definition of monastic (Entry 2 of 2)

: a member of a monastic order : a person (such as a monk) who lives under religious vows Monastics are people who … every day try hard to become part of a community — to relinquish aspects of the very egoism the rest of us spend our lives, in various ways, trying to enhance.— Robert Coles

Other Words from monastic More Example Sentences Learn More about monastic

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Other Words from monastic

Adjective

monastically \ mə-ˈna-sti-k(ə-)lē

\ adverb

monasticism \ mə-ˈna-stə-ˌsi-zəm

\ noun

Examples of monastic in a Sentence

Adjective

He founded a monastic order in Belgium. He shows a monastic dedication to his job. She studied for the test with monastic zeal.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

At Jil Sander and Loewe, the look had a covered-up, monastic air to it, but the street style takes were a bit more eccentric. — Vogue, "Eccentric Layering Was the Trickle-Up Trend That Ruled on and off the Fall 2019 Runways," 11 Mar. 2019 Today's color combination—lilac, oxblood, and white—was fresh and unexpected for the traditional checked fabric, while the skirt felt both monastic and directional, thanks to bias-cut panels that played with the direction of the pattern. — Edward Barsamian, Vogue, "Victoria Beckham Proves You Can Wear Plaid in Paris," 28 Mar. 2018 The Augustinians retain ownership of the buildings, and guests can take a tour of the historic library, monastery, and chapel with one of the monks who still live in the separate monastic quarters. — Alice Newell-hanson, Condé Nast Traveler, "19 Hotels That Used to Be Churches, Temples, and More," 29 Mar. 2018 These frescoes were begun in 1974 by Khapa Rinzi, a Sherpa master of the monastic art of thangka painting. — Sophy Roberts, Condé Nast Traveler, "On Your Next Trip to Nepal, Rent the House Sir Edmund Hillary Loved," 20 Dec. 2018 The former abbot, subsequently stripped of his monastic rank, managed to evade capture and flee the country. — George Styllis, Washington Post, "Thai crackdown targets Buddhist monks amid accusations of embezzlement and fraud," 24 June 2018 There’s something very meditative and monastic to me about theater because in TV, every single day is different. — Janet Mock, Marie Claire, "Kerry Washington's Next Act," 8 Oct. 2018 Canterbury Cathedral’s monastic community was disbanded during the Reformation and most of volumes in its library were either dispersed, destroyed, or taken apart for reuse. — James Rogers, Fox News, "Extremely rare medieval bible that 'bears witness' to Christian history re-discovered," 6 Aug. 2018 Young Tibetan monks have also reportedly been forced to leave one of the biggest monasteries in a Tibetan region of western China as part of a drive to replace monastic life with secular education. — Fox News, "China leader calls for 'anti-separatism efforts' in Tibet," 27 Aug. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'monastic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.