almshouse
Americannoun
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a house endowed by private charity for the reception and support of the aged or infirm poor.
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(formerly) a poorhouse.
noun
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history a privately supported house offering accommodation to the aged or needy
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another name for poorhouse
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of almshouse
First recorded in 1350–1400, almshouse is from Middle English almes hous. See alms, house
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It's their own wrong thought that's led them to the almshouse.
From Salon • May 26, 2025
The almshouse and chapel have been attributed to St Paul's Cathedral architect Sir Christopher Wren.
From BBC • Oct. 19, 2023
Elizabeth studied privately with a physician before medical school and between terms observed cases in an almshouse hospital.
From Washington Post • Feb. 4, 2021
“Inmates of the crumbling municipal almshouse on Memorial Drive will be evacuated without delay to facilitate the shutdown of the 150-year-old structure by Dec. 31,” reported The Salem News on Nov. 28, 1953.
From Washington Times • Nov. 26, 2019
"They have an almshouse, you know. They would let you sleep there, if you haven't the money to afford these lodgings."
From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
