cloister

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cloister" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a secluded or confined space, often associated with a monastery or a place of religious retreat. Example: "The monks spent their days in the cloister, away from the distractions of the outside world."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My book-lined bedroom, set behind a cloister strung with hammocks and warmed by an open fire, had Inca foundations, and adjoined a bare stone chapel thought by some to have been an Inca place of worship.

The Guardian - Travel

They existed somewhere between the world and the cloister, in a state of autonomy which was highly unusual for medieval women and highly disturbing to medieval men.Nor, to be honest, was it the first thing Juffrouw Marcella thought of when, as a girl, she realised that her dearest wish was to serve her Lord.

The Economist

Frescoes painted on the interior walls of the church, cloister, and chapterhouse are by such Italian masters of Gothic and early Renaissance painting as Andrea Orcagna, Andrea da Firenze, Masaccio (The Trinity fresco), Domenico Ghirlandaio, Filippino Lippi, and Paolo Uccello.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Before his appointment as a deacon of Constantinople's basilica of Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom) and teacher of rhetoric in the Patriarchal school, Eustathius was apparently a monk in the cloister of St. Florus in Constantinople.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Adjoining the cathedral is a 13th-century cloister.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Platonic Academy, as well as (for a limited time) the court of Theodoric, had been enclosures of this kind; but in the politically unsettled epoch to come "no plant would thrive except one that germinated and grew in the cloister".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Church of Saint-Salvi has a splendid cloister (11th 15th century).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Built as an integral part of the cloister in 1381 1412, there are 20 of them, two to each bay, divided by short partition walls, lighted by the cloister windows, and roofed at the level of the window transoms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The frequently rebuilt cathedral (founded 7th century), with magnificent bronze doors; the 12th-century cloister of the Church of Santa Sofia (8th century, rebuilt 1688); and the castle (1321) are notable medieval buildings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Another sculptural form that reappeared in Europe during the latter part of the Romanesque period was sepulchral sculpture, in which a sculptured figure of the deceased was cut or molded on top of a sarcophagus or on the sepulchral slab set into the floor of an abbey or cloister.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The best-known are the votaries of the sun god, who lived in a cloister (gagûm) in Sippar.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical or architectural elements, use "cloister" to accurately refer to the covered walkway and the enclosed space within a monastery, cathedral, or college.

Common error

Avoid using "cloister" simply to mean any secluded space. It specifically refers to the covered walkway around a quadrangle, often found in religious or academic institutions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cloister" is as a noun, referring to a covered walkway around a quadrangle, particularly in monastic or cathedral settings. Ludwig provides examples of its use in describing architectural features and monastic life.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

50%

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "cloister" is a noun that refers to a covered walkway surrounding a quadrangle, most often associated with monastic or cathedral settings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from encyclopedias and news sources. Its function is typically descriptive, identifying a specific architectural feature or a lifestyle related to religious seclusion. While the word is relatively formal, understanding its specific architectural context is key to avoiding misuse. Consider alternatives like "monastery", "convent", or "covered walkway" depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

monastery

Focuses specifically on the religious community and buildings where monks live.

convent

Specifically refers to a religious community and buildings for nuns.

religious seclusion

Emphasizes the act of withdrawing from the world for religious purposes.

monastic life

Highlights the lifestyle and practices associated with living in a monastery.

covered walkway

Describes the architectural aspect of a cloister as a sheltered passage.

quadrangle

Refers to the enclosed courtyard often surrounded by cloisters.

arcade

Highlights the architectural structure of arches supporting a roof or wall, common in cloisters.

religious retreat

Focuses on the act of withdrawing to a quiet place for religious reflection and renewal.

hermitage

Refers to a secluded dwelling, often used for religious solitude, though smaller and more isolated than a cloister.

sanctuary

Implies a place of refuge or protection, which can be a characteristic of a cloister.

FAQs

How can I use "cloister" in a sentence?

You can use "cloister" to describe the covered walkway in a monastery, like: "The monks walked in the "cloister" for contemplation."

What is the difference between a monastery and a "cloister"?

A monastery is a community of monks, while a "cloister" is an architectural feature within the monastery, typically a covered walkway around a courtyard.

What can I say instead of "cloister"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "monastery", "convent", or "covered walkway".

Is it correct to use "cloister" to describe a place of general seclusion?

While "cloister" implies seclusion, it's more accurate to use it for the specific architectural feature or the monastic life itself. For general seclusion, consider words like "retreat" or "seclusion".