'monastic' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'monasticus', ultimately from Greek 'monastikos', where 'monos' meant 'alone'.

'monastic' changed from Late Latin 'monasticus', via Greek 'monastikos' (from 'monazein' 'to live alone'), and entered English through Medieval Latin and Middle English to become the modern English word 'monastic'.

Initially, it meant 'relating to living alone (solitary religious life)', but over time it evolved to mean more broadly 'relating to monasteries, monks, nuns, or their way of life' and to refer collectively to members of such communities.