abbey

Everyday

1. (church) An abbey is a building, or group of buildings, where monks or nuns live and pray together, led by an abbot or abbess. tree →
2. An abbey is also a large church that was once part of such a place, such as Westminster Abbey in London. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons (monks, Henry VIII closing the monasteries, castles) and church life lessons. In news, royal weddings and coronations take place at Westminster Abbey. Phrases: «Westminster Abbey», «a ruined abbey», «the abbey church», «Downton Abbey» (a TV series).

Examples

• Monks lived and prayed at the abbey. tree →
• We visited the ruins of an old abbey. tree →
• Kings and queens are crowned in Westminster Abbey. tree →
• The abbey bells rang for evening prayers. tree →
• The abbot was in charge of the abbey. tree →
• Many abbeys were closed long ago and fell into ruins. tree →
• Nuns at the abbey made honey and candles. tree →
• Llewelyn had local connection with Bedd Gellert, which was the seat of an Augustinian abbey, one of the oldest in Wales. tree →

Note

Countable noun; plural «abbeys» (vowel before y, so just add -s). «An abbey». Leaders: abbot (man), abbess (woman). Close words: monastery (monks), convent or nunnery (nuns), priory (a smaller house).