nunnery
LowFormal, Literary, Archaic
Definition
Meaning
A building or complex where nuns live together under religious vows; a convent.
In archaic or literary use, it can be a general term for a community of women living under religious discipline. In Shakespeare's Hamlet, it is used as a derogatory euphemism for a brothel ('Get thee to a nunnery').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
While technically a gender-specific synonym for 'convent' (a community of nuns), its modern use is largely historical, literary, or in historical context. The Shakespearean usage creates a notable secondary connotation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition. 'Convent' is more common in both varieties. The archaic/literary status is shared.
Connotations
Shared connotations of historical/religious context and the Shakespearean allusion.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, slightly more likely to be encountered in UK contexts discussing local history or medieval architecture.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [ADJ] nunnery was founded in [DATE].She took her vows at the nunnery of [NAME].The ruins of the [ADJ] nunnery are visible.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get thee to a nunnery! (Shakespearean, insult)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, or literary analysis contexts.
Everyday
Rarely used; 'convent' is preferred.
Technical
Used in archaeology and architectural history to describe specific historical sites.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- No standard verb form.
American English
- No standard verb form.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form.
American English
- No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- The nunnery life was one of prayer and service.
- They studied the nunnery archives.
American English
- The nunnery rules were strict.
- They visited the nunnery grounds.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The old nunnery is now a museum.
- The medieval nunnery was closed by King Henry VIII.
- She decided to enter a nunnery.
- Archaeologists are excavating the site of a Saxon nunnery discovered under the field.
- In his anger, he told her to 'get to a nunnery,' quoting Shakespeare.
- The dissolution of the monasteries and nunneries had a profound impact on English social and economic structures.
- Her thesis examines the literary trope of the nunnery as both sanctuary and prison in 17th-century poetry.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: NUN + NERY (like 'scenery'). The scenery where NUNs live.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PLACE OF RETREAT / A PLACE OF CONTAINMENT (both spiritual and, in the Shakespearean sense, socially restrictive).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation from Russian 'монастырь' (monastery), which is gender-neutral. 'Nunnery' is specifically female. 'Convent' is the safer, more common equivalent.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to refer to a monastery (male).
- Using it in modern contexts where 'convent' is expected.
- Mispronouncing as /ˈnuːnəri/.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most common modern synonym for 'nunnery'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern usage, there is no difference in meaning; both refer to a community of nuns. 'Convent' is the standard, contemporary term, while 'nunnery' is archaic or literary.
This is a complex Shakespearean pun. It can be interpreted literally (urging her to preserve her purity in a religious life) or, more likely, as a bitter insult, using 'nunnery' as a slang term for a brothel, implying she is corrupt.
It is very rare in spoken modern English. It appears primarily in historical writing, literary analysis, tourism guides to historical sites, or when directly quoting Shakespeare.
No. A nunnery is specifically for nuns (women). The equivalent for monks is a 'monastery,' 'abbey,' or 'priory' (when for men).
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