Monk

/mʌŋk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A member of a religious community of men typically living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

The monk dedicated his life to prayer and contemplation in the secluded monastery.

A person who withdraws from society to live a life of religious devotion and community.

Many monks spend their days copying ancient texts and studying philosophy.

A person who lives a simple life away from modern society, often in a monastery.

The monk taught us the importance of mindfulness and spiritual awareness.

Middle English 'monk', from Old English 'munuc', from Latin 'monachus', from Ancient Greek 'μοναχός' (monachós)

monkhood

The state or condition of being a monk.

monk-like

Resembling a monk in behavior or appearance.

to live like a monk

To live a very simple and austere life.

abbot

The head of a monastery.

cloister

A covered walk in a monastery or convent.

novice

A person who is new to a religious order.

A term used sometimes to describe someone who is very reclusive.

He became such a monk after moving to the countryside, avoiding all social gatherings.

A playful term for someone devoted to hobbies in isolation.

She’s such a monk when it comes to her painting, spending days locked in her studio.