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Nuns: meaning, definitions and examples

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nuns

 

[ nʌnz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious women

Nuns are women who have devoted their lives to religious service, often living in convents and following strict religious vows. They play significant roles in various religious communities, especially in Christianity, where they are often associated with prayer, charity, and education.

Synonyms

female monastics, religious women, sisters

Examples of usage

  • The nuns at the convent provide education to local children.
  • She decided to become a nun after years of volunteering in her community.
  • Nuns often engage in charitable work and community service.
  • The abbey was home to a community of nuns dedicated to contemplative prayer.

Word origin

The term 'nun' has its origins in the Latin word 'nonna', which means 'nun' or 'mother'. It is derived from the Greek word 'nunna', used to refer to a woman who is a religious figure. Historically, nuns have existed in various forms across many religions, but the term is most commonly associated with women in the Christian tradition who live under religious vows. Nuns often belong to specific orders within the Church, such as the Benedictines, Franciscans, or Dominicans, each characterized by its own rules and lifestyle. The role of nuns has evolved over centuries, from contemplative lives devoted to prayer to active participation in social and educational services. They have played a crucial part in the development of various social services, schools, and hospitals.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,703, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.