close
Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
nun
Introduction References & Edit History
Images
Roman Catholic nuns
Britannica AI Icon
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Share
Share to social media
URL
https://www.britannica.com/topic/nun-monasticism
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Britannica Websites
Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.
Roman Catholic nuns
Roman Catholic nuns Roman Catholic nuns singing in choir.

nun

monasticism
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
Last updated
•History

News •

Nun is attacked in streets of Jerusalem, sparking outcry • May 1, 2026, 1:47 PM ET (NBC)

nun, woman who is a member of a monastic religious order or group. See monasticism.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.