monk Definition
- 1a member of a religious community of men typically living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
- 2a man who is a member of a brotherhood living in a monastery and devoted to a discipline prescribed by his order
- 3a man who is a member of a religious order but who lives outside a monastery or convent
Using monk: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "monk" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He became a monk after graduating from college.
Example
The monks spent their days in prayer and meditation.
Example
The monastery was home to a community of Benedictine monks.
Example
The monk took a vow of silence.
monk Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with monk
monk's robe
a long, loose garment worn by a monk
Example
The monk's robe was made of rough woolen cloth.
monk's cell
a small room in a monastery where a monk lives
Example
The monk's cell was sparsely furnished with a bed, a desk, and a chair.
monk's tonsure
a hairstyle worn by monks, consisting of a shaved crown and a ring of hair around the head
Example
The monk's tonsure was a symbol of his devotion to God.
Origins of monk
from Old English 'munuc', from Late Latin 'monachus', from Greek 'monakhos', from 'monos' meaning 'alone'
Summary: monk in Brief
A 'monk' [mʌŋk] is a member of a religious community of men who live under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. They may live in a monastery or outside it, and devote themselves to a prescribed discipline. The term extends to phrases like 'monk's robe,' 'monk's cell,' and 'monk's tonsure,' which denote specific aspects of monastic life.
