cloister

noun

ˈklȯi-stər How to pronounce cloister (audio)
Definition of cloisternext
as in monastery
a residence for men under religious vows monks living in a cloister in the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cloister The first was held in the cloister of the Gallery of Modern Art (GAM), with a private tour and cocktail reception for guests. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 6 June 2026 Set within the cloister of Santa Maria del Carmine, just a few steps from the Aesop Brera store, the installation will wink to how the brand illuminates every skin and room by unveiling Aposē, a trio of lights designed by the brand — one of which will be produced as a limited series. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026 Aesop returns to Milan Design Week for the third year in a row with The Factory of Light, an atmospheric installation set inside the cloisters of Santa Maria del Carmine, just steps from the brand’s Brera store. — Natalie Stoclet, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2026 Located just east of the Main Quad, Ida Noyes Hall is the home of Doc Films' Max Palevsky Cinema, the campus Pub for over-21 crowd, an array of offices and event spaces, and an architecturally striking staircase and cloister. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cloister
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloister
  1. monastery
  2. abbey
Noun
  • Riya Tamang, 21, who fled with her 10-month-old baby as the floodwaters approached, is among those taking shelter at the monastery.
    — Shristi Kafle, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Their welcome dinner was held at the charming pink mansion, Casa Dos Penedos, while the wedding day was held around a monastery.
    — Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of monastery
Noun
  • The Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, a 10th-century abbey complex owned for centuries by the Dorias, a powerful Genoa family, dominates the cove setting.
    — Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Robert de Molesme founded the Cistercian order at an abbey some 20 miles away from Meursault, the small village where the new hotel is located, in 1098.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of abbey

Browse Nearby Words

clog (up)
cloister
cloistered
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Cite this Entry

“Cloister.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloister. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cloister

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cloister

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