convent

American  

[kon-vent, -vuhnt] / ˈkɒn vɛnt, -vənt /

noun

1. a community of persons devoted to religious life under a superior.

   Synonyms:

   priory, abbey

2. a society or association of monks, friars, or nuns: now usually used of a society of nuns.

3. the building or buildings occupied by such a society; a monastery or nunnery.

   Synonyms:

   cloister

4. Obsolete. assembly; meeting.

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convent British  

/ ˈkɒnvənt /

noun

1. a building inhabited by a religious community, usually of nuns

2. the religious community inhabiting such a building

3. Also called: convent school.  a school in which the teachers are nuns

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convent Cultural  

1. A community of people in a religious order, especially nuns.

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Etymology

Origin of convent

1175–1225; < Medieval Latin conventus; Latin: assembly, coming together, equivalent to conven ( īre ) ( convene ) + -tus suffix of v. action; replacing Middle English covent < Anglo-French < Medieval Latin, as above

Explanation

A convent is a place where nuns live. Have you decided to dedicate the rest of your life to serving God? Well, then, maybe it’s time for you to consider moving into a convent. Although convent usually refers to the actual building where nuns live together, it can also sometimes more generally refer to a Christian community that is living according to religious vows. Catholic monks live in communities together in monasteries, while Catholic nuns tend to live in convents.

Example Sentences

Looming over the colorless town is its hulking circa-1385 monastery, extended in convent courtyards and stately chapels with lofty naves, offering dazzling displays of stained glass.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Giulio Cesareo, director of communications for the Franciscan convent in Assisi said he hoped the display could be "a meaningful experience" for believers and non-believers alike.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

The women find refuge in a convent and, ultimately, in a seaside town where some measure of peace awaits them.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

In Rome, they founded the convent of Santa Maria del Popolo at one of the city's main entrances, with trees and gardens nearby.

From Science Daily • Feb. 2, 2026

I am supposed to commit to recovery like a nun pledging body and soul in a convent.

From "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson