rhizoverbBeta
DictionarynunWoman in a religious order
noun

nun

NUN/nʌn/

A woman who belongs to a religious order and lives under vows.

The nun kneels in prayer with a rosary hanging from her belt.

A Catholic nun in a traditional black habit and white wimple kneels in prayer at a simple convent chapel kneeler, with a rosary hanging visibly from her belt.
Etymology
nunLatinnun; address to an elderly woman

An address for an elderly woman became a title for a woman devoted to religious life. Its earlier origin may lie in children's speech.

In context

Saint Paul's Greek Orthodox Church24:57
what was your inspiration to um become a nun and join the monastery.
On Monasticism | Abbess Aemiliane of St. Nina's Monastery

More examples

  • She takes vows and becomes a nun.
  • Several nuns teach at the local school.
  • The Buddhist nun leads a meditation session.

Forms

nun · nuns

nunnery noun — A residence for a community of nuns.

Similar words

sister
Often used as a title when addressing a nun.