cloistress: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareLiterary / Archaic
Quick answer
What does “cloistress” mean?
A female inhabitant of a cloister.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A female inhabitant of a cloister; a nun.
A woman who leads a secluded, often monastic life; can metaphorically refer to any woman living in strict seclusion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference, as the word is equally archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
Literary, Shakespearean (used by Shakespeare in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'), with a slightly romantic or old-fashioned tone.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both. More likely to be encountered in literary analysis or historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “cloistress” in a Sentence
cloistress of [religious order/institution]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in literary or historical studies, e.g., 'Shakespeare's use of the term cloistress.'
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used in modern religious terminology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cloistress”
- Misspelling as 'cloisteress'.
- Using in modern contexts where 'nun' is appropriate.
- Confusing with 'cloister' (the place).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic and literary term. The modern word is 'nun'.
An abbess is the head of a community of nuns, while a cloistress is simply a female member living in a cloister.
Yes, in literary contexts it can describe any woman living in extreme seclusion, not necessarily religious.
It is pronounced /ˈklɔɪstrəs/, with the stress on the first syllable, rhyming with 'hoistress'.
A female inhabitant of a cloister.
Cloistress is usually literary / archaic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Live like a cloistress”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'cloister' (a convent) + '-ess' (female suffix) = a woman in a convent.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECLUSION IS A CONVENT / RELIGIOUS LIFE IS A SHELTERED PATH.
Practice
Quiz
In which famous play does the word 'cloistress' appear?