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
Older monks, many in gold robes, silently corrected the trainees who were bustling along the rows, bearing ceremonial objects. — Pico Iyer, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2026 The monk-to-entrepreneur pipeline has shocked some of his fans and followers who say making $21 million a year is antithetical to a monk lifestyle. — Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Users who have downloaded his app include a strip club owner, a Buddhist monk and parents. — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026 During his stay, he was introduced to a monk named Brother Christian. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 6 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

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 21 Aug. 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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