monk

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈməŋk 

: a man who is a member of a religious order and lives in a monastery

also : friar

monk

2 of 2

noun (2)

: monkey

Examples of monk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Benedict: Benedict has been in regular rotation ever since St. Benedict founded the Benedictine order of monks in the early middle ages. —Anna Moeslein, Parents, 26 Oct. 2024

At Weihenstephan, which was founded as a brewery in 1040 by Benedictine monks, nonalcoholic wheat beer and lager now make up 10% of the volume. —Stefanie Dazio, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2024

That didn’t stop Byzantine emperor Justinian I, aiming to restore his empire’s former glory, from acquiring silkworm eggs, via monks who smuggled them in bamboo rods. —Emi Eleode, ARTnews.com, 30 Oct. 2024

Related article China’s Shaolin monks are known for their incredible acrobatics. —Stephy Chung, CNN, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English munuc, from Late Latin monachus, from Late Greek monachos, from Greek, adjective, single, from monos single, alone

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1841, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing monk

• monk parakeet
• monk's cloth
• monk seal

Kids Definition

monk

noun

ˈməŋk

: a member of a religious community made up of men who agree to give up worldly life, remain poor and unmarried, and obey all laws of their community

monkish

ˈməŋ-kish

adjective

Biographical Definition

Monk

biographical name

ˈməŋk 

Thelonious Sphere 1920–1982 American jazz musician