Monastery
/ˈmɒn.ə.stəri/noun
A building or complex where monks live, work, and worship.
Did you know?The term 'monastery' comes from a word that means 'to remain alone,' reflecting the solitary devotion of monks who sought spiritual enlightenment away from society's chaos.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
μοναστήριον (monastērion)
“A place for solitary living; a dwelling for monks.”
Late Latin
Latin
monasterium
“A place where monks reside, derived from the Greek.”
Old French
Old French
monastère
“Adoption of the Latin term, referring specifically to a religious house.”
Middle English
Middle English
monasterie
“The form of the word used in early English texts, still refers to a religious community.”
Modern English
English
monastery
“The current term for a religious community of monks, retaining its original connotations of solitude and devotion.”