A monastery is a collective housing space for religiously ordained persons belonging to a common order, in which most aspects of life are centered around this one place. It is generally used by contemplative orders (in various religions), and is usually secluded or partly secluded from outside interference. In contrast to a friary (whose residents are active in the outside world), a monastery tends to provide greater self-sufficiency, with spaces like work areas, gardens, and chapels. A monastery may apply to housing for religious orders of either male or female sex.

The religious community's life is centered on the monastery, commonly with work and worship spaces within its grounds. Members can be male or female.

A friary houses members whose work takes a more active role outside the premises. The usual degree of seclusion and self-sufficiency helps distinguish those arrangements.