United States jazz pianist who was one of the founders of the bebop style (1917-1982)
"Thelonious Monk, a pioneering American jazz pianist and composer born in 1917, helped establish the bebop style with his distinctive musical innovations."
A male member of a monastic order who has devoted his life for religious service.
"The playful monk swung from branch to branch in the tall trees."
A monkey.
In plain English: A monk is a man who lives alone and follows strict religious rules to focus on prayer and spiritual life.
"The monk spent his days praying and copying ancient manuscripts in the monastery."
Usage: Use this word to refer specifically to a man living in a monastery under strict religious vows, distinguishing him from female nuns or laypeople who practice spirituality without such commitments. It describes someone dedicated entirely to prayer and community life rather than secular employment.
To be a monk.
"After years of wandering, he decided to become a monk and live in the temple."
A surname.
"The Monk family has lived in that valley for generations."
The word monk comes from the Old English munuc and traces back to a Greek root meaning "solitary." It entered Middle English with this same sense of being alone or living in seclusion.