Thesaurus results for COURTESAN

courtesan

noun

ˈkȯr-tə-zən

Definition of courtesan

as in prostitute

a woman who engages in sexual activities for money the protagonist of the novel is a composite of several real-life courtesans who plied their trade among the decadent aristocracy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of courtesan Soprano Amanda Woodbury sings the lead role in Verdi's opera about a courtesan in Paris. — Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 25 Mar. 2026 Kidman made audiences weep as Satine, the beautiful courtesan who is the star of the eponymous club in turn-of-the-century Paris. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026 An age-old, decidedly protean legend of an illicit love affair between Prince Salim (who ascended the throne as Jahangir) and a courtesan named Anarkali took its most recognizable form in the 1922 Urdu-language stage play Anarkali by Imtiaz Ali Taj. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Mar. 2026 The colorful artworks largely depict the sensual hedonistic lifestyles of city dwellers including merchants, courtesans and kabuki actors. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for courtesan

Recent Examples of Synonyms for courtesan

Noun

Brought to Spain, the Colombian prostitutes are required to work off a debt run up by not only the airfare but much more.

— John Hopewell, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
And in the early ’80s, there were prostitutes on every street corner in Hollywood.

— Steve Appleford, SPIN, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of prostitute

Noun

Depending on what the alleged hooker’s name was, maybe York was just trying to stay under the Valerie cap?

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Skipper and scrumhalf Lucu darted over after a strong run into contact from his hooker Lamothe and touched down on the half-hour to score France’s fourth try, securing a bonus competition point.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026

Definition of hooker

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courteousness

courtesan

courtesans

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“Courtesan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courtesan. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of courtesan

noun

Example Sentences

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