monk

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈməŋk 

: a man who is a member of a religious order and lives in a monastery

also : friar

monk

2 of 2

noun (2)

: monkey

Examples of monk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Deep beneath the monastery lie the ancient caves that gave the Lavra its name, where generations of monks are buried. — Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

Once a year, Akagawa takes the letters to a nearby Buddhist temple, where a monk prays over them. — Literary Hub, 17 June 2026

The cordovan line revisited the brand’s shoemaking heritage with models that included derby shoes, loafers, monk straps and Chelsea boots. — Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 21 June 2026

Both meditating Tibetan monks and summer concert-goers are drawn to the dramatic location. — Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English munuc, from Late Latin monachus, from Late Greek monachos, from Greek, adjective, single, from monos single, alone

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1841, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing monk

• monk parakeet
• monk's cloth
• monk seal

Rhymes for monk

• bunk
• chunk
• clunk
• drunk
• dunk
• hunk
• junk
• punk
• shrunk
• slunk
• spunk
• sunk

Kids Definition

monk

noun

ˈməŋk

: a member of a religious community made up of men who agree to give up worldly life, remain poor and unmarried, and obey all laws of their community

monkish

ˈməŋ-kish

adjective

Biographical Definition

Monk

biographical name

ˈməŋk 

Thelonious Sphere 1920–1982 American jazz musician