minster

[ min-ster ]

noun

1. a church actually or originally connected with a monastic establishment.
2. any large or important church, as a cathedral.

minster

/ ˈmɪnstə /

noun

1. any of certain cathedrals and large churches, usually originally connected to a monastery

Word History and Origins

Origin of minster¹

before 900; Middle English, Old English mynster (cognate with German Münster ) < Vulgar Latin *monisterium, for Late Latin monastērium monastery

Word History and Origins

Origin of minster¹

Old English mynster, probably from Vulgar Latin monisterium (unattested), variant of Church Latin monastērium monastery

Example Sentences

They are now so few that they were outnumbered by the eight former prime minsters, lined up at the annual commemoration in London’s Whitehall.

From BBC

The former first minster has sued the government for misfeasance – a civil law term that means the wrongful exercise of lawful authority.

From BBC

As equalities minster, she gained attention by rejecting claims of widespread institutional racism in the UK and fighting to preserve single-sex spaces for women over gender-neutral toilets.

From BBC

The prime minster replaced her with Morgan McSweeney and has made four new appointments, including hiring James Lyons as a strategic communications lead.

From BBC

The prime minster has reshuffled his top team with four other appointments, ahead of marking his first 100 days in office.

From BBC

Related Words

• chapel
• mosque
• parish
• sanctuary
• shrine
• synagogue
• temple