priory

noun

pri·​o·​ry ˈprī-(ə-)rē How to pronounce priory (audio)
plural priories
Synonyms of priorynext
: a religious house under a prior or prioress

Synonyms of priory

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Examples of priory in a Sentence

you can hear the bells from the priory from the other side of the village
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.
The crime–assisting in the raid of a Benedictine priory alongside Sir Fitzpayne. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 June 2025 After Robin Hood ends up at an island priory overseen by the healer Sister Brigid (Comer), the pace slows down, a welcome change. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 June 2026 Forty-nine rooms blending contemporary design with antiques are spread throughout a historic property that was once a Cistercian priory, then an abbey residence, before becoming a château hotel. — Lindsey Tramuta, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2026 Nearby Cincinnati, where Vance was confirmed at a Dominican priory, is a case in point and a window into Catholicism’s history in the American heartland. — Matthew Smith, The Conversation, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for priory

Word History

Etymology

Middle English priorie, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin prioria, from prior

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of priory was in the 13th century

Rhymes for priory

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Browse Nearby Words

prior to
priory
Pripet
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Cite this Entry

“Priory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/priory. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

priory

noun
pri·​o·​ry ˈprī-(ə-)rē How to pronounce priory (audio)
plural priories
: a religious house under a prior or prioress

More from Merriam-Webster on priory

Nglish: Translation of priory for Spanish Speakers

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