courtesan
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of courtesan
First recorded in 1540–50; from Middle French courtisane, from Italian cortigiana, literally, “woman of the court,” derivative of corte court
Explanation
From the Renaissance on, European kings and noblemen often kept a courtesan, that is, a woman with whom they had a relationship but were not married to. The courtesan got her name quite literally from the royal court where she lived. In fact, the term to court, as in to woo someone romantically, comes from the origin. A similar term is concubine, though it has a slightly different meaning. Concubines date from earlier times, to the Biblical era and beyond, and refer to women who were generally kept far more closeted socially, unlike courtesans, who often had great independence and freedom. Don't confuse your different types of high class girlfriends!
Vocabulary lists containing courtesan
The Haunting of Hill House
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Typical American
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
For her scene, Bhatti has taken inspiration from a scene in classic Bollywood film Pakeezah, in which a courtesan dances on broken glass.
From BBC ● Jun. 10, 2026
The wrestling coach at the American school in Tokyo, Ernst’s glamorous courtesan Chizuko, and many of the characters are composites.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 8, 2026
In his 18th opera, Giuseppe Verdi provocatively made the lead role a courtesan in contemporary Paris.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 13, 2026
And Demy’s “Lola” was inspired not just by the character made immortal by Marlene Dietrich in “The Blue Angel” but also by the courtesan chronicled in Ophuls’s last completed picture, “ Lola Montès.”
From New York Times ● Jun. 18, 2024
“Chandresh claims it is modeled after a room belonging to a courtesan in Bombay,” Marco says.
From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern
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.
