hermit

noun

her·​mit ˈhər-mət How to pronounce hermit (audio)
Synonyms of hermitnext
1
a
: one that retires from society and lives in solitude especially for religious reasons : recluse
b
obsolete : beadsman
2
: a spiced molasses cookie
hermitism
ˈhər-mə-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce hermit (audio)
noun

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of hermit in a Sentence

St. Jerome is said to have spent two years as a hermit in the desert, searching for inner peace.
Recent Examples on the Web According to the researchers, this chapel may have been dedicated to St. Pega, Guthlac’s sister, who was also a venerated hermit. —Aaron Boorstein, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Apr. 2024 Read Next Search for home of medieval hermit saint leads to even more ancient find in UK. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hermit 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hermit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English heremite, eremite, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin eremita, from Late Greek erēmitēs, from Greek, adjective, living in the desert, from erēmia desert, from erēmos desolate

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of hermit was in the 12th century

Phrases Containing hermit

Dictionary Entries Near hermit

Herminones

hermit

Hermitage

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Cite this Entry

“Hermit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hermit. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

hermit

noun
her·​mit ˈhər-mət How to pronounce hermit (audio)
1
: one that lives apart from others especially for religious reasons : recluse
2
: a spiced molasses cookie

More from Merriam-Webster on hermit

Nglish: Translation of hermit for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of hermit for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hermit

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