courtesan
Courtesan (noun) means Historically, a woman — often glamorous and educated — who had wealthy or high-status men as lovers or clients, sometimes at a royal court. Example: “The novel is set in the world of Venetian courtesans during the Renaissance.”
How to use courtesan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA historical term for a woman who had relationships with wealthy or noble men, often in exchange for support.
Word forms
courtesans plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The novel is set in the world of Venetian _____ during the Renaissance.
Etymology
From Middle French courtisane, from Italian cortigiana (feminine of cortigiano, "courtier"), ultimately from "court."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for courtesan
See all rhymes for courtesan →Frequently asked questions
What does “courtesan” mean?
The word “courtesan” means historically, a woman — often glamorous and educated — who had wealthy or high-status men as lovers or clients, sometimes at a royal court. In plain terms, a historical term for a woman who had relationships with wealthy or noble men, often in exchange for support.
How do you pronounce “courtesan”?
“Courtesan” is pronounced kaw-tih-ZAN (/ˈkɔɹtɪzən/ in IPA).
How do you use “courtesan” in a sentence?
Here is “courtesan” used in a sentence: “The novel is set in the world of Venetian courtesans during the Renaissance.”
What part of speech is “courtesan”?
“Courtesan” is a noun.
Where does the word “courtesan” come from?
The word “courtesan” comes from Middle French. From Middle French courtisane, from Italian cortigiana (feminine of cortigiano, "courtier"), ultimately from "court.".