This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
courtesan
[ kawr-tuh-zuhn, kur- ]
/ ˈkɔr tə zən, ˈkɜr- /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
(especially in historical use) a mistress, paramour, or prostitute, especially one associating with noblemen or men of wealth.
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!
In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”
Question 1 of 7
The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing
Sometimes cour·te·zan .
Origin of courtesan
First recorded in 1540–50; from Middle French courtisane, from Italian cortigiana, literally, “woman of the court,” derivative of corte court
Words nearby courtesan
court cupboard, court dance, court dress, Courtelle, courteous, courtesan, courtesy, courtesy car, courtesy card, courtesy light, courtesy title
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use courtesan in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for courtesan
courtesan
courtezan
/ (ˌkɔːtɪˈzæn) /
noun
(esp formerly) a prostitute, or the mistress of a man of rank
Word Origin for courtesan
C16: from Old French courtisane, from Italian cortigiana female courtier, from cortigiano courtier, from corte court
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012