Monk — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈməŋk/

Meaning & Definition of Monk

Monk (noun)

  1. a man who is a member of a religious order and lives in a monastery; also, friar
  2. monkey

Monk (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in brother, friar

    similar: brother, friar, mendicant, monastic, oblate, clergyperson, cleric, clerical, clerk, deacon, divine, dominie, ecclesiastic, high priest, minister, preacher, reverend, abbot, archbishop, archpriest, bishop, dean, diocesan, monsignor, pope, prelate, presbyter, churchman, clergyman, father, Holy Joe (slang), padre, abbé, curate, curé, parson, pastor, rector, shepherd, vicar, chaplain, confessor, sky pilot, evangelist, missionary, missioner, missionizer, revivalist, nun, abbess, anchoress, cloistress (obsolete), conventual, mother superior, novice, prioress, religious, Reverend Mother, votary (archaic)
    opposite: lay reader, lector, layman, layperson, secular

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Monk

The most common words with a similar meaning to Monk:

Slang: Holy Joe
Obsolete: cloistress
Archaic: votary
brother, friar, mendicant, monastic, oblate, clergyperson, cleric, clerical, clerk, deacon, divine, dominie, ecclesiastic, high priest, minister, preacher, reverend, abbot, archbishop, archpriest, bishop, dean, diocesan, monsignor, pope, prelate, presbyter, churchman, clergyman, father, padre, abbé, curate, curé, parson, pastor, rector, shepherd, vicar, chaplain

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Monk

Words with the opposite meaning of Monk:

lay reader, lector, layman, layperson, secular

Origin & Etymology of Monk

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: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Monk

Words & Phrases Containing Monk

monk parakeet, monk's cloth, monk seal

Frequently Asked Questions about Monk

What does "Monk" mean?

"Monk" means a man who is a member of a religious order and lives in a monastery; also, friar. As a noun, it is defined as: a man who is a member of a religious order and lives in a monastery; also, friar.

What is another word for "Monk"?

Other words for "Monk" include brother, friar, mendicant, monastic, oblate, clergyperson, cleric and clerical. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Monk" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Monk"?

There are 59 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Monk". Common alternatives include brother, friar, mendicant, monastic, oblate, clergyperson, cleric, clerical, clerk and deacon.

What is the opposite of "Monk"?

Antonyms of "Monk" include lay reader, lector, layman, layperson and secular.

Is "Monk" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Monk" is a noun.

Is "Monk" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Monk" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Monk"?

"Monk" is pronounced /ˈməŋk/.

What is the origin of the word "Monk"?

"Monk" comes from 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: before 12th century.