monkhood

noun

monk·​hood ˈməŋk-ˌhu̇d 

1

: the character, condition, or profession of a monk : monasticism

2

: monks as a class

Examples of monkhood in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Female protest leaders have highlighted the fact that Thailand’s most powerful institutions—the military, the monarchy, and the monkhood—are dominated by men and have little or no place for women. —Tamara Loos, Foreign Affairs, 7 Dec. 2020

Enrolling into monkhood may seem like a novel way of making amends, but the practice has become commonplace in Thailand, especially among people who have caused harm in public ways. —Time, 29 June 2023

In an exclusive clip shared with PEOPLE, David tells his American family of his plan, and what the transition to monkhood actually entails. —Kelly Wynne, Peoplemag, 7 Dec. 2022

After six months of devoted monkhood in the early 2000s and, having given up all his possessions, Chan found himself in the complete absence of artistic resources. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 19 May 2021

Influential monks, who count army generals among those praying at their feet, preach that the Tatmadaw and Buddhist monkhood must unite to combat Islam. —New York Times, 28 Mar. 2021

Most of all, women are increasingly speaking out against a patriarchy that has long controlled the military, the monarchy and the Buddhist monkhood, Thailand’s most powerful institutions. —New York Times, 24 Sep. 2020

Buddhist males in Thailand are traditionally expected to enter the monkhood, often as novices, at some point in their lives to show gratitude, often toward their parents for raising them. —Tassanee Vejpongsa, The Seattle Times, 24 July 2018

Isaiah was stripped of his monkhood days after the incident. —Fox News, 11 Aug. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1