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nun

Noun

pl: nuns

This term describes a woman dedicated to a religious life, often characterized by a commitment to spiritual discipline and service. It carries a strong connotation of piety, modesty, and a detachment from worldly desires, evoking images of habits and quiet contemplation. While the term is most frequently associated with cloistered life in a convent, it also encompasses sisters who operate in the secular world, performing social work, nursing, or teaching. The word is distinct from "monk," which refers to the male equivalent in religious orders.

Meanings

Noun

A woman who has taken vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and lives in a religious community, typically within a convent.

"The nun spent her mornings in silent prayer and her afternoons teaching at the local school."

Noun

A woman who is a member of a religious order but does not live in a cloistered community, often working in the secular world.

"The visiting nun provided counseling and support to the refugees at the border."

Last Updated: June 14, 2026•Report an Error