What does nunnery mean?
A nunnery is a convent, residential establishment, or religious community for nuns. The word is used especially in historical, literary, and cultural contexts, often describing the building or community as an institution with its own routines, buildings, and role in local life. It is related to the more general word 'convent' but may suggest a traditional or medieval setting. The term can also be used figuratively for a secluded religious community, although that use is uncommon today. In contrast with a monastery, which is associated with monks, a nunnery is specifically associated with women religious. The word should not be confused with forms such as 'nunnery' used in unrelated specialized contexts, and it is generally less frequent in everyday modern speech than 'convent.'
nounA convent or other establishment where nuns live, especially one organized as a religious community. The word can also refer more broadly to the community of nuns itself.
- A convent or establishment where nuns live.
- A community of nuns living together under a religious rule.
"The medieval nunnery was converted into a museum after the religious order declined."
"The abbey included a church, a nunnery, and several houses for the townspeople."
"She spent several years in a nunnery before returning to secular life."
The standard plural is 'nunneries.'
"Several nunneries were founded along the river during the medieval period."
The nunnery was once a place of religious community, labor, learning, and power, as well as a familiar setting in medieval stories.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of nunnery
The word comes through Old French nounnerie from Medieval Latin nunnaria, a form associated with Latin nonna, meaning 'nun.' The '-ery' formation indicates a place or establishment, so the word originally referred to a religious house or community for nuns. Its modern spelling reflects the regularized English form, while the underlying vocabulary is shared with 'nun.'
How nunnery is actually used
The word is now chiefly historical, literary, or institutional. It can sound more formal and old-fashioned than the more general word 'convent'; the plural is 'nunneries.'
Easily confused with nunnery
A monastery is a religious residence for monks or other traditionally male members of a religious order, whereas a nunnery is a religious residence or community for nuns.