demimonde

American  

[dem-ee-mond, duh-mee-mawnd] / ˈdɛm iˌmɒnd, də miˈmɔ̃d /

noun

1. (especially during the last half of the 19th century) a class of women who have lost their standing in respectable society because of indiscreet behavior or sexual promiscuity.

2. a demimondaine.

3. prostitutes or courtesans in general.

4. a group whose activities are ethically or legally questionable.

   a demimonde of investigative journalists writing for the sensationalist tabloids.

5. a group characterized by lack of success or status.

   the literary demimonde.

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demimonde British  

/ ˌdɛmɪˈmɒnd, dəmimɔ̃d /

noun

1. (esp in the 19th century) those women considered to be outside respectable society, esp on account of sexual promiscuity

2. any social group considered to be not wholly respectable

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Etymology

Origin of demimonde

1850–55; < French, equivalent to demi- demi- + monde world (< Latin mundus )

Example Sentences

Mr. Frankel is most convincing when he avoids bold statements, however, and instead immerses himself in the skulduggery of Kansas City politics or the treacherous demimonde of Hollywood.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

French bulldogs have a colorful, centuries-long history involving English lacemakers, the Parisian demimonde and Gilded Age American tourists who brought the dogs home.

From Seattle Times • May 7, 2023

You are eating spectacular bread while observing the most intriguing members of the demimonde stroll by.

From Salon • Jul. 3, 2022

“What follows is a veritable trip through the demimonde, populated with the idle, dangerous rich and the desperate, hungry poor, all with motive and means to kill,” Sarah Weinman writes in her latest crime column.

From New York Times • Jun. 16, 2022

We see the demimonde at their toilet, with their mirrors, their powders, their enamels and rouge-pots, their brushes and pincers, and all the thousand and one accessories.

From Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 1 by Runkle, Lucia Isabella Gilbert