English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

concubine

KAHNGK-yuh-byn

Concubine (noun) means Historically, a woman who lived with a man in a sexual relationship without being his wife, often with lower social status. Example: “In some royal courts, a concubine could bear children but never inherit as a wife would.”

noun
1
Historically, a woman who lived with a man in a sexual relationship without being his wife, often with lower social status.
"In some royal courts, a concubine could bear children but never inherit as a wife would."

How to use concubine

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA historical term for a woman in a lasting sexual relationship with a man to whom she is not married.

When to use it

Mostly used in historical, literary, or academic contexts rather than everyday speech.

Word forms

concubines plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “concubine” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

In some royal courts, a _____ could bear children but never inherit as a wife would.

Etymology

From Latin concubina, from concumbere ("to lie together"), plus the feminine suffix -ina.

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for concubine

See all rhymes for concubine →

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of concubine?

"concubine" (noun) means historically, a woman who lived with a man in a sexual relationship without being his wife, often with lower social status.

What is another word for concubine?

Other words for "concubine" include paramour, courtesan, doxy.

How do you use concubine in a sentence?

Example: "In some royal courts, a concubine could bear children but never inherit as a wife would."

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial