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
Meanwhile, one monk intones that more offerings will bring the family greater blessing and peace. — Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026 Some Buddhist temples in Thailand are extremely wealthy because worshippers donate large amounts as a way of making religious merit, and the country has seen cases of senior monks being accused of misappropriating temple funds. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 This Marian hagiography was compiled by two English monks, Dominic of Evesham and William of Malmesbury, in the first half of the twelfth century. — Ellen O’Connell Whittet, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026 There were, however, six mysterious figures who appeared to be monks in robes — three in white, and three in either black or red, depending on the account. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 6 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 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

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