Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for minster. Search instead for Axminster.
Synonyms

minster

American  
[min-ster] / ˈmɪn stər /

noun

  1. a church actually or originally connected with a monastic establishment.

  2. any large or important church, as a cathedral.

minster British  
/ ˈmɪnstə /

noun

  1. any of certain cathedrals and large churches, usually originally connected to a monastery

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of minster

before 900; Middle English, Old English mynster (cognate with German Münster ) < Vulgar Latin *monisterium, for Late Latin monastērium monastery

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Labour minster, with responsibility for climate change, told the Senedd the new law represented "a significant moment in our determination to protect and enhance Wales' environment for this and future generations".

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

Faye and his charismatic mentor Ousmane Sonko, whom he appointed as prime minster, have promised to fight corruption at all levels and rebuild institutions.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

Among them are two former defence ministers, a former spy chief and former security minster.

From BBC • Sep. 11, 2025

As defence minster he tackled jihadist activity that was brewing in the northern border in Burkina Faso.

From BBC • Aug. 6, 2025

When the glades like minster windows gleam With slanting rays of burnished gold, And stealing shadows, in fond embrace, Are creeping the forest to fold.

From Legends of the North; The Guidman O' Inglismill and The Fairy Bride by Buchan, Patrick

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.