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monastery
/ˈmɒnəstəri/
place where monks live
The monks spent their days in silence within the monastery.
The monks lived and worked in a quiet, secluded building dedicated to religious life.
formal
A building or complex where monks or nuns live under religious vows, often in seclusion.
The monastery was founded in the 12th century and still operates today.
The religious community has existed for centuries and continues its traditions.
Monasteries are typically associated with Christian traditions, but similar communities exist in other religions (e.g., Buddhist monasteries).
literary
A place of seclusion or retirement, often for spiritual or scholarly purposes.
The poet retreated to a monastery in the mountains to write.
The poet sought solitude in a quiet, isolated place to focus on creativity.
This sense is metaphorical, emphasizing withdrawal from the world.
Collocations
monastic ordera religious group of monks or nunsmonastery librarya collection of books in a monastery, often historic
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish monastery from convent
A monastery is for monks (male), while a convent is for nuns (female). The term 'abbey' can refer to either but often implies a larger or more prominent institution.
Gold Rule
Use 'monastery' for male religious communities
Always use 'monastery' for male monks and 'convent' or 'nunnery' for female nuns to avoid confusion.
Word Origin
From Late Latin monasterium, from Greek monastērion (place of solitude), from monazein (to live alone), derived from monos (alone).
Usage Notes
Monastery refers specifically to a male religious community; a female community is typically called a convent or nunnery. The term can also describe the building itself or the community living there.
Word Breakdown
mon-
alone, single
root-astery
place
suffixEnglish Dictionary