nun

The word “nun” means a woman who has taken religious vows and lives in a convent, typically as part of a Christian order. In plain terms, a woman who has dedicated her life to religious service, usually living in a convent.

“Nun” is pronounced nuhn (/nʌn/ in IPA).

Here is “nun” used in a sentence: “The nun had lived at the convent for over forty years.”

“Nun” is a noun.

The word “nun” comes from Late Latin. From Old English nunne, from Late Latin nonna, originally a respectful term of address for an older person, echoing baby-talk words like "nana".

“Nun” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Nun” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a woman who has taken religious vows and lives in a convent, typically as part of a Christian order.

In common usage, nun and sister are often used interchangeably for a woman who has taken religious vows and lives a dedicated religious life. Nun typically refers to a woman living an enclosed, contemplative life within a convent, while some traditions distinguish sisters as women in active religious orders who work in the wider community.

No, nun can also describe a woman living a similarly devoted, communal religious life in other faith traditions, such as Buddhism. The word is applied broadly whenever a woman has committed to a formal, communal religious vocation.

Taking vows as a nun means formally committing to a religious life, typically including promises tied to poverty, chastity, and obedience within a Christian order. This commitment is what distinguishes a nun from other religious or lay believers.