noun
concubine
KAHNGK-yuh-byn
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 notesIn 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
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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.