1. the practice of living as a monk or nun, especially in a religious community devoted to prayer, work, and contemplation
2. the system or condition of life in monasteries and convents

Examples

• Medieval monasticism played a crucial role in preserving ancient texts.
• She was drawn to monasticism after years of spiritual searching.
• Buddhist monasticism emphasizes meditation and detachment from worldly concerns.
• The decline of monasticism in some regions affected local communities.
• Christian monasticism began in the deserts of Egypt in the 3rd century.
• His study focused on the economic impact of monasticism in medieval Europe.