noun
whore
haw
noun
1
A crude, derogatory term for a prostitute.
"The film was criticised for its offensive use of the word whore."
"Historical texts often used whore where modern writing would say sex worker."
2
(figurative, derogatory) Someone seen as compromising their principles for money or gain.
"Critics called him a corporate whore for endorsing the product."
"He was accused of being a whore for attention on social media."
verb
1
To promote or use something shamelessly, especially for profit or attention.
"The band was accused of whoring out their old hits for adverts."
"He whores himself out for every sponsorship deal going."
How to Use Whore
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA highly offensive word for a prostitute, also used figuratively and crudely for selling out one's principles.
When to use it
Vulgar and considered offensive in almost all contexts; "sex worker" or "prostitute" are the neutral modern terms.
Word Forms
whored past tense, whores plural, whores singular
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Etymology
From Old English hōre, going back to a very old Indo-European root meaning "dear" or "desired" — the same root that gives Latin carus ("dear") and the English word care.