nunnery

noun

nun·​nery ˈnə-nə-rē How to pronounce nunnery (audio)
ˈnən-rə-
plural nunneries
Synonyms of nunnerynext
: a convent of nuns

Examples of nunnery 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.
All four women are virgins and have joked about calling their home the nunnery. — Skye Battles, Wired News, 17 Apr. 2026 But the black, confining nunnery space reminds a bit of some medieval dungeon. — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 4 June 2026 Monasteries and nunneries have long been oases of quiet contemplation in a world overrun by distractions. — Avedis Hadjian, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Jan. 2026 Nash points to everything from visits to a working nunnery in Greece to high-profile events like the Monaco Grand Prix. — Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for nunnery

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nunnery was in the 14th century

Rhymes for nunnery

See All Rhymes for nunnery

Browse Nearby Words

nunnari
nunnery
nunni
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nunnery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nunnery. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

nunnery

noun
nun·​nery ˈnən-(ə-)rē How to pronounce nunnery (audio)
plural nunneries
: a convent of nuns

More from Merriam-Webster on nunnery

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for nunnery

Nglish: Translation of nunnery for Spanish Speakers

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