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

Cloth Bag was the nickname of a Chinese Buddhist monk who lived in the 10th century. —Megan Bryson, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2024

Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Prague This hotel is housed within the 13th-century St. Thomas Monastery (a small cohort of monks still lives next door). —David Farley, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2024

Countless examples from the past emphasize how kings and commoners provided for the Buddha and later monks and nuns by giving land, food and donations. —Mitch Hendrickson, The Conversation, 29 July 2024

Guests are also encouraged to participate in cultural activities such as the morning ritual of giving alms through offering food and flowers to local Buddhist monks on the river or taking advantage of complimentary boat and city tours. —Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2024

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

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