abbey

/ˈæbi/

/ˈæbi/

Other forms: abbeys

An abbey is a church that's part of a monastery or convent. You'll often find monks or nuns in an abbey.

There are a few types of abbeys, but they're all related to intense religious dedication. An abbey can be a monastery or convent, which is either composed of monks or nuns who have withdrawn from society to live a life of poverty and chastity. You can also call a church associated with a monastery or convent an abbey. That type of abbey will be run by the monks or nuns but also open to other churchgoers.

Definitions of abbey

1. noun

   a church or building associated with a monastery or convent
   type of:

   church, church building

   a place for public (especially Christian) worship
2. noun

   a convent ruled by an abbess
   type of:

   convent

   a religious residence especially for nuns
3. noun

   a monastery ruled by an abbot
   type of:

   monastery

   the residence of a religious community