strumpet

American  

[struhm-pit] / ˈstrʌm pɪt /

noun

Older Use.

1. a prostitute.

2. a sexually promiscuous woman (now often used facetiously).

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strumpet British  

/ ˈstrʌmpɪt /

noun

1. archaic a prostitute or promiscuous woman

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Other Word Forms

• strumpetlike
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of strumpet

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; origin uncertain

Explanation

A strumpet is a woman who commits adultery or sleeps around a lot. It's an insult, although an old-fashioned one. You're more likely to read about strumpets in Shakespeare than anything written recently, because this is an out-of-style word for a woman who commits adultery. You can also call a strumpet an adulteress, hussy, loose woman, or trollop, but it's best to avoid all those terms since they're sexist and offensive.

Example Sentences

In his native Ireland, he is well known for the historical drama mini-series Strumpet City, which starred co-starred Peter O'Toole and Peter Ustinov.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2012

The Air Force is still enraged at his criticism of massive retaliation, calls his book "The Unclean Strumpet."

From Time Magazine Archive