zenana

or za·na·na

[ zuh-nah-nuh ]

noun

1. the part of the house in which the women and girls of a family are secluded.
2. its occupants collectively.

zenana

/ zɛˈnɑːnə /

noun

1. (in the East, esp in Muslim and Hindu homes) part of a house reserved for the women and girls of a household

Word History and Origins

Origin of zenana¹

First recorded in 1755–65; from Hindi, from Persian zanāna, “female, pertaining to women,” adjective derivative of zan “woman”; cognate with Sanskrit jani “woman, wife,” Greek gynḗ, Old Church Slavonic žena, Old English cwēn “woman, wife”; queen

Word History and Origins

Origin of zenana¹

C18: from Hindi zanāna, from Persian, from zan woman

Example Sentences

From the crypt they proceeded to the palace zenana (harem), which surrounded a court of exceeding beauty.

From Project Gutenberg

He had the right to come and go; as regent he could enter the zenana without being accompanied by the council.

From Project Gutenberg

Umballa must look elsewhere for his chief wife; the Mem-sahib would not adorn his zenana.

From Project Gutenberg

It was but a murmur; and the two turned to witness the approach of the woman of the zenana.

From Project Gutenberg

At this very moment I could place you in my zenana and who would ever know?

From Project Gutenberg