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noun

poorhouse

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Poorhouse (noun) means Historically, an institution that housed and supported people who could not support themselves. Example: “Many families dreaded ending up in the poorhouse.”

noun
1
Historically, an institution that housed and supported people who could not support themselves.
"Many families dreaded ending up in the poorhouse."

How to use poorhouse

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA historic charity institution for housing the destitute; also used figuratively for extreme poverty ("headed for the poorhouse").

Common pairings
end up in the poorhouse
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Word forms

Plural
poorhouses
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Fill the gap

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Many families dreaded ending up in the _____.

Etymology

From poor + house.

Rhymes for poorhouse

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Frequently asked questions

What does “poorhouse” mean?
The word “poorhouse” means historically, an institution that housed and supported people who could not support themselves. In plain terms, a historic charity institution for housing the destitute; also used figuratively for extreme poverty ("headed for the poorhouse").
How do you use “poorhouse” in a sentence?
Here is “poorhouse” used in a sentence: “Many families dreaded ending up in the poorhouse.”
What part of speech is “poorhouse”?
“Poorhouse” is a noun.
What is the meaning of poorhouse?
"poorhouse" (noun) means historically, an institution that housed and supported people who could not support themselves.