noun

monastery

MO-nuhst-ree

noun

A building or complex where monks live a communal religious life, often under vows.

"The monks rose before dawn for prayers at the monastery."

"Tourists visited the ancient monastery perched on the cliffside."

How to Use Monastery

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA residence for monks who live according to religious vows.

Common mistake

A "monastery" usually houses monks, while a "convent" usually houses nuns — the terms aren't strictly interchangeable.

Easily confused with

convent →

monasteries plural

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Can you complete this real example?

The monks rose before dawn for prayers at the _____.

From Ancient Greek monastḗrion, "hermitage," ultimately from mónos, "alone" — the same root that gives us "monk."

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