monastic

1 of 2

adjective

mo·​nas·​tic mə-ˈna-stik How to pronounce monastic (audio)
1
: of or relating to monasteries or to monks or nuns
the rituals of monastic life
2
: resembling (as in seclusion or ascetic simplicity) life in a monastery
shows a monastic dedication to his job
monastically adverb
monasticism noun

monastic

2 of 2

noun

plural monastics
: a member of a monastic order : a person (such as a monk) who lives under religious vows
Monastics are people who … every day try hard to become part of a community—to relinquish aspects of the very egoism the rest of us spend our lives, in various ways, trying to enhance.Robert Coles

Examples of monastic in a Sentence

Adjective He founded a monastic order in Belgium. He shows a monastic dedication to his job. She studied for the test with monastic zeal.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
In recognition of the power of acoustics, Aurelio Montes has constructed his cellar in a semi circle to maximise the harmony imparted by these monastic tones. Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 On an island known for being high energy, this suite offers a near monastic sense of calm. Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
While the Thai Buddhism depicted in The White Lotus is not completely realistic, there are several authentic ways to engage deeply with Buddhism, ranging from offering donations to short meditation retreats to ordination as a monastic. Brooke Schedneck, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2025 While the Thai Buddhism depicted in The White Lotus is not completely realistic, there are several authentic ways to engage deeply with Buddhism, ranging from offering donations to short meditation retreats to ordination as a monastic. Brooke Schedneck, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for monastic

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1632, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of monastic was circa 1563

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Cite this Entry

“Monastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monastic. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

monastic

adjective
mo·​nas·​tic mə-ˈnas-tik How to pronounce monastic (audio)
1
: of or relating to monks or monasteries
2
: resembling life in a monastery
monastic noun
monastically adverb
monasticism noun

More from Merriam-Webster on monastic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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