priory: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Historical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “priory” mean?
A religious house where monks or nuns live and work under a prior or prioress, typically smaller or subordinate to an abbey.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A religious house where monks or nuns live and work under a prior or prioress, typically smaller or subordinate to an abbey.
In a broader sense, any monastery or convent, or the property and buildings belonging to such a religious community. It can also refer to the institution's historical and architectural legacy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used identically in both varieties. However, it is far more frequent in British English due to the UK's historical landscape featuring many actual priories.
Connotations
Connotes history, heritage, and the medieval period. In the UK, it is a common element in place names (e.g., Priory Road, Priory School).
Frequency
High-frequency in British historical/geographical contexts; low-frequency in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “priory” in a Sentence
the priory of [Place/Name]a priory founded bylocated at/near the prioryVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused, except perhaps in heritage tourism or property development (e.g., 'converted priory').
Academic
Common in historical, religious studies, and architectural texts discussing medieval Europe.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used when discussing history, visiting historical sites, or in place names.
Technical
Used in precise historical and architectural terminology to denote a specific type of monastic foundation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “priory”
- Spelling: 'priorey', 'priary'.
- Confusing it with 'abbey' (a priory is usually smaller/subordinate).
- Using it as a general term for any old religious building.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An abbey is typically larger, more independent, and headed by an abbot or abbess. A priory is often smaller, subordinate to an abbey, and governed by a prior or prioress.
Yes. A priory can be a monastery (for monks) or a convent (for nuns). The head is called a prior (male) or prioress (female).
It is not common in everyday conversation. It is primarily used in historical, architectural, or geographical contexts, especially in the UK where many places are named after priories.
Yes, etymologically. Both derive from Latin 'prior' meaning 'former, superior, earlier'. A 'priory' is the house of the 'prior' (the superior). 'Priority' originally meant 'precedence' or 'superior rank'.
A religious house where monks or nuns live and work under a prior or prioress, typically smaller or subordinate to an abbey.
Priory is usually formal, historical, literary in register.
Priory: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpraɪəri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpraɪəri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of PRIORity: A PRIORY is the home of a PRIOR (the head monk).
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTAINER FOR DEVOTION (e.g., 'He found peace within the priory's walls.')
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a priory?