demimonde

demi·monde

noun \ˈde-mi-ˌmänd, -mē-\

Definition of DEMIMONDE

1

a : a class of women on the fringes of respectable society supported by wealthy lovers; also : their world b : the world of prostitution

2

: a distinct circle or world that is often an isolated part of a larger world <a night in the disco demimonde>; especially : one having low reputation or prestige

Examples of DEMIMONDE

1. <a documentary examining the demimonde to which homosexuals were relegated before the start of the gay rights movement>

Origin of DEMIMONDE

French demi-monde, from demi- + monde world, from Latin mundus

First Known Use: 1855

Related to DEMIMONDE

Synonyms: netherworld, demiworld, half-world, underbelly, underworld

Related Words: abyss, depths

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Rhymes with DEMIMONDE

allemande, bottle blond, correspond, Eurobond, income bond, savings bond, solar pond, Trebizond, Trobriand, vagabond