houri

American  

[hoor-ee, houuhr-ee, hou-uh-ree] / ˈhʊər i, ˈhaʊər i, ˈhaʊ ə ri /

noun

plural

houris

1. one of the beautiful virgins provided in paradise for all faithful Muslims.

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houri British  

/ ˈhʊərɪ /

noun

1. (in Muslim belief) any of the nymphs of Paradise

2. any alluring woman

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Etymology

Origin of houri

1730–40; < French < Persian hūrī < Arabic ḥūr plural of ḥaurāʾ gazelle-eyed (woman)

Example Sentences

Women seem to surround and attend to him as the houris do to the devout immortals in Islam’s paradise.

From New York Times

Hurriya is the Arabic word for “freedom,” and is the plural of houri, the dark-eyed virgins that suicide bombers are promised in the afterlife.

From New York Times

"Chapman!" cried the Beg, scarce able to contain himself for astonishment, "would you deceive me by hiding away from me a houri stolen from heaven?"

From Project Gutenberg

At ten houris on Sunday late at een, When Dalila and Bothwell bade good night, Off her finger false she threw ane ring, And said, My Lord, ane token you I plight.

From Project Gutenberg

The colour came to her cheeks, and a sparkle to her eye, which made her look like an houri in the rosy morn.

From Project Gutenberg