Essene

noun Es·sene \i-ˈsēn, ˈe-ˌsēn\

Definition of ESSENE

: a member of a monastic brotherhood of Jews in Palestine from the second century b.c. to the second century a.d.

— Es·se·ni·an \i-ˈsē-nē-ən, e-ˈse-\ or Es·se·nic \-ˈse-nik, -ˈsē-nik\ adjective

— Es·se·nism \-ˈsē-ˌni-zəm\ noun

Greek Essēnos

First Known Use: 1553

Next Word in the Dictionary: essenhoutPrevious Word in the Dictionary: essence peddlerAll Words Near: Essene

What made you want to look up Essene? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears