tonsure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Ecclesiastical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “tonsure” mean?
The act or practice of shaving the crown of the head, especially as a religious rite or symbol of clerical status.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act or practice of shaving the crown of the head, especially as a religious rite or symbol of clerical status.
The shaved part of a monk's or priest's head; the state of being tonsured; figuratively, any similar bare patch.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of religious devotion, asceticism, or historical practice.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Slightly more likely in historical or religious texts.
Grammar
How to Use “tonsure” in a Sentence
to tonsure someoneto receive tonsureto have a tonsureVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tonsure” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bishop will tonsure the new novices in a private ceremony.
- He was tonsured at the age of nineteen.
American English
- The abbot tonsured the postulant, marking his formal entry into the order.
- In the medieval rite, the candidate was tonsured by the presiding priest.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The tonsure ceremony was brief but solemn.
- He bore the tonsure mark of his order.
American English
- The tonsure ritual has varied across different centuries.
- His tonsure spot was neatly trimmed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, and anthropological texts discussing monastic practices.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used humorously to describe a bald spot.
Technical
Specific term in ecclesiastical history and descriptions of religious orders.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tonsure”
- Using it as a general term for baldness. Mispronouncing as /tɒnˈsjʊə/ or /ˈtɒnsjʊə/. Using it as a verb without an object (incorrect: 'He tonsured.' correct: 'He was tonsured.' or 'The abbot tonsured him.')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while most common in Christian (especially Catholic and Orthodox) contexts, the term is also applied to similar practices in Buddhism and other ascetic traditions.
Yes, though it is rare. It means 'to shave the head of (someone) as a religious rite' (e.g., 'The abbot tonsured the new novice').
No. A tonsure specifically refers to shaving part of the head, usually the crown, often leaving a ring of hair. Complete baldness is different.
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialized word. You will encounter it almost exclusively in historical, religious, or literary texts.
The act or practice of shaving the crown of the head, especially as a religious rite or symbol of clerical status.
Tonsure is usually formal, ecclesiastical, literary in register.
Tonsure: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɒnʃə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɑːnʃər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take the tonsure (to become a monk/nun)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'TONS' of hair being removed to create a 'SURE' sign of religious devotion.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TONSURE IS A BADGE (of office/devotion). A TONSURE IS A SACRIFICE (of vanity).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the word 'tonsure'?