# covent

/ˈkəvənt/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/covent
Updated: 2026-05-14

## Definition

an old word for a group of people living in a religious house, like a monastery or nunnery. It is the original form of the modern word 'convent'.

For teachers: a religious community or the building it inhabits; the archaic spelling and etymological precursor to 'convent'. Typically refers to a body of monks or nuns under one roof.

## Examples

- The ancient covent stood quietly in the valley.
- Historical records from the medieval period mention a small covent of monks who farmed the local lands.
- In several Middle English manuscripts, the term covent is employed to describe not just the stone cloisters, but the entire collective spiritual family residing within.

## Usage notes

- Archaic spelling; almost entirely replaced by 'convent' in modern English.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.