houri

[ hoor-ee, houuhr-ee, hou-uh-ree ]

noun

, plural hou·ris.

1. one of the beautiful virgins provided in paradise for all faithful Muslims.

houri

/ ˈhʊərɪ /

noun

1. (in Muslim belief) any of the nymphs of Paradise
2. any alluring woman

Word History and Origins

Origin of houri¹

1730–40; < French < Persian hūrī < Arabic ḥūr plural of ḥaurāʾ gazelle-eyed (woman)

Word History and Origins

Origin of houri¹

C18: from French, from Persian hūri, from Arabic hūr, plural of haurā' woman with dark eyes

Example Sentences

This houri of Sa'adi would not pause to note the difference in writing; the vitalness of the subject would enchain her thoughts.

From Project Gutenberg

There was nothing left now but to greet her upon her arrival, this golden houri from the verses of Sa'adi.

From Project Gutenberg

This was no longer Sa'adi's houri but the young woman who had mastered the lion in the railway train.

From Project Gutenberg

We hope that houri melted entirely away in the window; but we certainly did not stay to see.

From Project Gutenberg

In his early youth he remembered to have seen, somewhere in Greece, such a houri as was this Madame Goesler.

From Project Gutenberg