noun

poorhouse

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

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

Word forms

poorhouses plural

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Many families dreaded ending up in the _____.

Etymology

From poor + house.

Rhymes for poorhouse

use muse ruse fuse abuse mouse cause house louse pause amuse douse

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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.