Search Dictionary
Definition of abbey

abbey

/ˈæb.i/
ab · bey
Plural:abbeys
•
Adjective:abbatial
JUMP TO:

abbey Lexical Profile

abbey Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A building or complex of buildings occupied by a community of monks or nuns under the governance of an abbot or abbess.

Example

"The medieval abbey stood atop the hill, surrounded by ancient stone walls and quiet cloisters."

2

A religious community of monks or nuns collectively governed by an abbot or abbess.

Example

"The entire abbey gathered in the chapel before dawn to chant the morning prayers."

3

British A church or large country house that was once part of a monastic complex.

Example

"After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the historic abbey was converted into a private family estate."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for abbey

• Rhymes for abbey

• Nearby Words

abatement
abbas
abbess
abbey
abbot
abbreviate
abbreviation

Word Origin & Etymology

Entered Middle English via Old French 'abaie', from Late Latin 'abbatia', derived from Aramaic 'abba' meaning 'father'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Abbey. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/abbey
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.