monk

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈməŋk How to pronounce monk (audio)
Synonyms of monk
: 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
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.
Noun
Brother Govindananda, a monk with the order, said his organization sees AI simply as the next step to helping people access the late guru’s teachings through an online teaching portal — just as books did for previous generations. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 Players who complete a series of optional quests involving the Divine Child—a young girl who is the sole survivor of experiments by the heretical monks of Ashina’s Senpou Temple—can choose the Return ending. — Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026 The laity’s faith in monks and in their ability to provide merit and moral guidance can suffer if monks break their vows, such as by drinking alcohol or having sex. — Brooke Schedneck, The Conversation, 24 Aug. 2026 Belmont Abbey was founded in 1876 by Benedictine monks, while the town was tiny — fewer than 200 people. — Eva Flowe august 21, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for monk

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of monk was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing monk

Rhymes for monk

See All Rhymes for monk

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Monk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monk. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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 How to pronounce Monk (audio)
Thelonious Sphere 1920–1982 American jazz musician

More from Merriam-Webster on monk

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for monk

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about monk

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