noun
Uncommon
nun
nuhn
Nun (noun) means a woman who has taken religious vows and lives in a convent, typically as part of a Christian order. Example: “The nun had lived at the convent for over forty years.”
noun
1
A woman who has taken religious vows and lives in a convent, typically as part of a Christian order.
"The nun had lived at the convent for over forty years."
"As a young woman, she became a nun and moved into the abbey."
"The nun taught at the village school and rang the chapel bell each morning."
2
A woman living a similarly devoted, communal religious life in other faith traditions.
"The Buddhist nun spent her mornings in silent meditation."
"In the mountain monastery, the nun shaved her head and followed a strict daily routine."
"She became a nun in her faith's order and shared meals and prayers with the community."
How to use nun
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA woman who has dedicated her life to religious service, usually living in a convent.
Common pairings
a convent of nuns
become a nun
nuns and priests
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Word forms
- Plural
- nuns
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The _____ had lived at the convent for over forty years.
Etymology
From Old English nunne, from Late Latin nonna, originally a respectful term of address for an older person, echoing baby-talk words like "nana".
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “nun” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “nun”?
“Nun” is pronounced nuhn (/nʌn/ in IPA).
How do you use “nun” in a sentence?
Here is “nun” used in a sentence: “The nun had lived at the convent for over forty years.”
What part of speech is “nun”?
“Nun” is a noun.
Where does the word “nun” come from?
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".
Is “nun” a common word?
“Nun” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “nun” have?
“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.
What is the difference between a nun and a sister in Christianity?
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.
Is the word nun used only for Christian religious life?
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.
What does it mean to take vows as a nun?
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.
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