Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

monasticism

American  
[muh-nas-tuh-siz-uhm] / məˈnæs təˌsɪz əm /

noun

  1. the monastic system, condition, or mode of life.


monasticism British  
/ məˈnæstɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

  1. the monastic system, movement, or way of life

"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 monasticism

First recorded in 1785–95; monastic + -ism

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 flowing beard and hair that he kept throughout most of his life, coupled with his sometimes caustic intensity, led writers to invoke Rasputin or monasticism in describing Mr. Andre.

From New York Times

In many ways, he personifies the modern Silicon Valley dichotomy between spirituality and hustle, between monasticism and flamboyance.

From New York Times

Her older brother Patrick withdrew for years into Buddhist monasticism and still lives abroad, sunk in his coding and largely out of touch.

From Los Angeles Times

What brought them peace was the thing that guided them to their monasticism in the first place - connecting with their personal faith.

From BBC

But as monasticism spread from India to other countries, there often were extra requirements to become ordained in those patriarchal societies.

From Seattle Times