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

He is called upon by a monk from a secretive temple to protect a powerful child from a corrupt master, forcing him to confront his inner demons. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Feb. 2025

Portly monks, mischievous monkeys, witches and angels. —Corina Knoll, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025

Listen to this article San Diego FC coach Mikey Varas talks in calm and hushed tones, referencing Eastern philosophers ranging from the Dalai Lama to Vietnamese monk and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh. —Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025

The most obvious conflict of principles emerges among the Ratliff family, who come to the resort because Piper (played by Sarah Catherine Hook), the college-aged daughter, wants to interview a local monk. —Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2025

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