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noun

priory

PREYE-uhr-ee

Priory (noun) means a religious house, such as a monastery or convent, headed by a prior or prioress. Example: “The ruins of the old priory still stand on the hillside.”

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noun
1
A religious house, such as a monastery or convent, headed by a prior or prioress.
"The ruins of the old priory still stand on the hillside."

How to use priory

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA monastery or convent run by a prior/prioress, often smaller than a full abbey.

Common pairings
the ruined priory a Benedictine priory
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Word forms

priories plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The ruins of the old _____ still stand on the hillside.

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman priorie, related to prior.

Origin: Anglo-Norman

Rhymes for priory

See all rhymes for priory →

Frequently asked questions

What does “priory” mean?

The word “priory” means a religious house, such as a monastery or convent, headed by a prior or prioress. In plain terms, a monastery or convent run by a prior/prioress, often smaller than a full abbey.

How do you pronounce “priory”?

“Priory” is pronounced PREYE-uhr-ee (/ˈpɹaɪəɹ.i/ in IPA).

How do you use “priory” in a sentence?

Here is “priory” used in a sentence: “The ruins of the old priory still stand on the hillside.”

What part of speech is “priory”?

“Priory” is a noun.

Where does the word “priory” come from?

The word “priory” comes from Anglo-Norman. From Anglo-Norman priorie, related to prior.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial