Cistercian

American  

[si-stur-shuhn] / sɪˈstɜr ʃən /

noun

1. a member of an order of monks and nuns founded in 1098 at Citeaux, near Dijon, France, under the rule of St. Benedict.

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adjective

1. of or relating to the Cistercians.

Cistercian British  

/ sɪˈstɜːʃən /

noun

1. 1. Also called: White Monk.  a member of a Christian order of monks and nuns founded in 1098, which follows an especially strict form of the Benedictine rule

   2. ( as modifier )

      a Cistercian monk

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• Cistercianism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of Cistercian

1595–1605; < Medieval Latin Cisterciānus < Latin Cisterci ( um ) placename (now Cîteaux ) + -ānus -an

Example Sentences

“We continue discerning with our Order where to live our Cistercian monastic life, keeping you informed as this process unfolds,” they said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026

It is presumed to represent the Cistercian monastery of Vyšší Brod in southern Bohemia, near the Austrian border, of which Petr, his ancestors and successors were patrons.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

Cistercian monks first identified the site, on roughly 12.5 acres on a rocky, southeast-facing slope, as a distinctive vineyard early in the 12th century.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 14, 2022

The Ruscum, by the way, is produced at a convent by Cistercian nuns, who in addition to vineyards have orchards and gardens, which they farm organically.

From New York Times • Jan. 20, 2022

After we were fixed with beds in the high- ceilinged rooms of the partially restored Cistercian monastery, I began talking with some friends I had not seen since leaving the States.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson