monk

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal · Slang

n. someone who lives a very quiet life alone and does not go out much.

n. a person who leads an isolated or solitary life, often by choice or for personal discipline.

“Since he started working from home, he has become a bit of a monk.”

“After the breakup, he went full monk, deleting his social media and rarely leaving his apartment for anything other than groceries.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Archaic · Technical

n. a dark blot of ink on a printed page where there should not be one.

n. a blotch or dark patch on a printed sheet caused by an excess of ink.

“The old book had a monk on the third page that made the text hard to read.”

“The apprentice was scolded for the numerous monks appearing in the final proof, indicating a failure to properly regulate the ink rollers.”

C2 · Proficiency Literary

v. to live in a very quiet, simple way, usually to think or study.

v. to live or act in the manner of a monk, particularly regarding contemplation or isolation.

“He decided to monk for a few months in the mountains to finish his book.”

“She spent the winter monking in a remote cabin, seeking the clarity that only total silence could provide.”