monastery

noun

mon·​as·​tery ˈmä-nə-ˌster-ē 

plural monasteries

: a house for persons under religious vows

especially : an establishment for monks

Synonyms

• abbey
• cloister
• friary
• hermitage
• priory

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

Nothing could be further from the truth, which explains why Azerbaijan continues to destroy Armenian cultural and historic sites, including churches and monasteries, which have stood for hundreds of years in attempt to erase any traces of Armenian existence in the region. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

The action hops from the streets of London to a monastery outside Ankara to Kraven’s Siberian taiga hideout, where Calypso puts her summer camp archery skills to good use with a crossbow. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Dec. 2024

Pierre’s brief visit to a monastery, touching a spiritual stone, then spotting Mont Saint-Michel, lends Catholic sensitivity to the quest. —Armond White, National Review, 1 Nov. 2024

The perfumery is still attached to the 13th-century Dominican monastery where mediaeval monks concocted fragrances and herbal remedies. —Robert Johnston, theweek, 11 Oct. 2024

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

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