nun

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈnən 

: a woman belonging to a religious order

especially : one under solemn vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience

nunlike

ˈnən-ˌlīk 

adjective

nun

2 of 2

noun (2)

ˈnu̇n 

: the 14th letter of the Hebrew alphabet see Alphabet Table

Examples of nun in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The nuns modeled how to create a sustaining, supportive community. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

This June, Pope Leo appointed an Italian nun to lead a top Vatican office on human rights, the Associated Press reported. — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Some of the more envelope-pushing moments, including an extended scene of nuns ripping off their habits and rubbing themselves on a life-sized crucifix, were in the script. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2026

But the indulgence with which Russell presents the acrobatic pandemonium of the nuns’ possession has purpose. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English nunne, from Late Latin nonna

Noun (2)

Hebrew nūn

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

circa 1567, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nun

• bun
• done
• dun
• fun
• gun
• hun
• jun
• none
• one
• pun
• run
• shun

Kids Definition

nun

noun

ˈnən

: a woman belonging to a religious order

especially : one living under solemn vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience