Abbey - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An abbey is a large monastery or convent led by an abbot or abbess, often including a church. It serves as a place of worship, residence, and work for monks or nuns.
Definition:
A monastery or convent under the supervision of an abbot or abbess, often associated with a church.
Synonyms:
monastery, convent, cloister, priory
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
secular building, laity
Common Collocations:
medieval abbey, ruined abbey, Westminster Abbey, abbey church, abbey grounds
Derivatives:
abbeys, abbatial
Usage Tips:
Use "abbey" to refer to a religious building or community; avoid confusing it with "abbot" (the leader) or "abbess" (female leader).
Common Phrases:
Westminster Abbey, abbey ruins, the Abbey Road
Etymology:
Derived from Latin "abbatia," meaning "abbot's jurisdiction," via Old French "abeie."
Examples:
- 1. The monks lived peacefully in the ancient abbey.
- 2. We visited the famous Westminster Abbey last summer.
- 3. The ruined abbey stood silently on the hilltop.
- 4. She took vows and joined the local abbey.
- 5. The abbey’s bells rang every morning at dawn.