abbey

noun

ab·​bey ˈa-bē 

plural abbeys

1

a

: a monastery ruled by an abbot

b

: a convent ruled by an abbess

2

: an abbey church

Synonyms

• cloister
• friary
• hermitage
• monastery
• priory

Examples of abbey in a Sentence

the monks in the abbey grow all their own vegetables

Recent Examples on the Web

Just two hours north of London, but what feels like an entire world away, the region is best known for its vast, dune-like beaches, crumbling medieval abbeys, and grande dame stately homes. —Liam Hess, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025

Over the next few centuries, the abbey’s importance as a place of study and prayer, as well as its political and cultural significance, only grew. —Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025

The original Poe short story follows a prince who attempts to avoid a dangerous plague, known as the Red Death, by hiding in his abbey. —Justin Kroll, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2025

For a more country experience, there is the historic abbey, San Pietro in Valle, located between Spoleto and the Marmore Falls. —Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English abbeye, abbay, borrowed from Anglo-French abeie, abbaye, borrowed from Medieval Latin abbātia "abbacy, abbey," from Late Latin abbāt-, abbās abbot + Latin -ia -y entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for abbey

• abbe
• cabbie
• cabby
• flabby
• gabby
• gaby
• scabby
• shabby
• tabby

Kids Definition

abbey

noun

ab·​bey ˈab-ē 

plural abbeys

1

a

: monastery

b

: convent

2

: a church that once belonged to an abbey

Westminster Abbey

Biographical Definition

Abbey

biographical name

Ab·​bey ˈa-bē 

Edwin Austin 1852–1911 American painter and illustrator