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
Until her father– the guy who left them ages ago to become a monk– drops off the map with her life savings. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026 Thai officials said five monks died at the scene, while four others later died in the hospital, bringing the death toll to nine. — Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 Trappist beers are brewed on monastery ground by monks, and Abbey beers are commercial beers licensed by or named after religious orders. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026 In contrast to these grave descriptions, an unknown Irish monk from the ninth century offers a more lighthearted view of scriptorium life. — Literary Hub, 6 July 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

Moniz
monk
Monk
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Cite this Entry

“Monk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monk. Accessed 9 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of monk for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about monk

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