Definition of harem
1 a
: a usually secluded house or part of a house allotted to women in some Muslim households
b
: the wives, concubines, female relatives, and servants occupying a harem
2
informal
: a group of women associated with one man
- the pop star and his harem
3
: a group of females associated with one male
—used of polygamous animals
- Researchers who study elk have determined that the males who possess the largest harems of females not only sport the largest racks of antlers, but also the most symmetrical ones.
- —Natalie Angier
