abbey

¹

[ ab-ee ]

noun

, plural ab·beys.

1. a monastery under the supervision of an abbot or a convent under the supervision of an abbess.
2. the group of buildings comprising such a monastery or convent.
3. the church of an abbey.

Abbey

²

[ ab-ee ]

noun

1. Edward, 1927–89, U.S. novelist and nature writer.
2. Edwin Austin, 1852–1911, U.S. painter and illustrator.
3. a first name, form of Abigail.

abbey

/ ˈæbɪ /

noun

1. a building inhabited by a community of monks or nuns governed by an abbot or abbess
2. a church built in conjunction with such a building
3. such a community of monks or nuns

Word History and Origins

Origin of abbey¹

1200–50; Middle English abbey ( e ) < Old French abeie < Late Latin abbātia abbacy

Word History and Origins

Origin of abbey¹

C13: via Old French abeie from Church Latin abbātia abbacy

Example Sentences

Dr Hoyle asked the abbey's stonemason to add the dots and its conservator to paint them.

From BBC

A Welsh abbey has commissioned an independent review into alleged historical child sex abuse.

From BBC

This time the photo was a woman in front of a ruined abbey, her face artfully turned away from the camera.

From BBC

The first exhibition, curated by artist Nephertiti Schandorf, examines historical female leadership and the role of the abbess, the head of an abbey of nuns.

From BBC

He was assigned to sit two rows behind his brother, arrived at the abbey alone and left alone.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• nunnery