Etymology Map
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Monk

3 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a member of a religious community of men

Where does the word "monk" come from? It comes from Greek monakhos, passing through Old English before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
monakhos
Greek · ancient
"solitary"
Greek, from 'monos', alone
2
Stage 2 of 3
munuc
Old English · medieval
"monk"
came via Late Latin 'monachus'
3
Stage 3 of 3
monk
English · 1200s
"monk"
'monastery' shares the root
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Read the full story

Monk’s story begins in Greek: monakhos meant “solitary.” Greek, from 'monos', alone. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old English as munuc. Came via Late Latin 'monachus'. It reached English by 1200s as monk. 'monastery' shares the root. Today, monk means a member of a religious community of men.