Nunnery

/ˈnʌnəri/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A convent inhabited by nuns.

The old nunnery on the hill has been a place of refuge for centuries.

A place where nuns live, practice their religious duties, and engage in communal life.

She decided to enter the nunnery to dedicate her life to spiritual service.

An archaic term sometimes used in a derogatory sense to refer to a brothel.

In Shakespeare's time, the term nunnery could also imply a disreputable establishment.

Middle English nunnerie, from nun + -erie (a suffix indicating a place).

nun's life

A life dedicated to religious service, often implying strictness or austerity.

nun's habit

The traditional clothing worn by nuns, symbolizing their religious commitment.

nun

A woman who is a member of a religious community, especially one living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

vow

A solemn promise, often made in a religious context.

convent

A community of nuns living together under religious vows.

Used humorously to describe a strict or dull environment.

That new dress code makes our school feel like a nunnery.

An exaggerated term for an overly pious or boring situation.

This meeting is so mundane, it feels like a nunnery in here.