poorhouse

poor·house | \ ˈpu̇r-ˌhau̇s

How to pronounce poorhouse (audio)

, ˈpȯr- \

Definition of poorhouse

: a place maintained at public expense to house needy or dependent persons

Examples of poorhouse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And if that empathy leads to some solutions that don’t put us in the poorhouse, that’s a good thing. — Hannah K. Sparling, Cincinnati.com, "'My yard has moved': Landslides are a big, expensive headache for homeowners.," 13 Dec. 2019 Troublingly, there are even many Power 5 programs (see the financial woes at Florida State) that have spent themselves into the poorhouse. — Mike Bianchi, orlandosentinel.com, "UConn going broke a cautionary tale for UCF, USF and other Group of 5 schools | Commentary," 3 July 2019 The locations have become perpetual draws for tourists and locals alike, with McMenamins’ distinctive custom artwork transforming once-derelict hotels, poorhouses, schools, lodges and churches – and retail storefronts, as well. — Andre Meunier, oregonlive.com, "McMenamins, Oregon’s 1st brewpub, a pioneer still going its own way: Portland Breweries Series," 28 June 2019 In 1854, the county opened a poorhouse and farm and gradually added an insane asylum, infirmary and tuberculosis hospital to the property. — Nereida Moreno, latimes.com, "Challenge at Chicago school construction site: Watch for 38,000 unmarked graves," 15 Apr. 2018 In 1854, the county opened a poorhouse and farm and gradually added an insane asylum, infirmary and tuberculosis hospital to the property. — Nereida Moreno, latimes.com, "Challenge at Chicago school construction site: Watch for 38,000 unmarked graves," 15 Apr. 2018 The Eloise site opened in 1839 as a poorhouse and a farm, and grew to span 900 acres and house 76 buildings. — Hasan Dudar, Detroit Free Press, "Historic and 'haunted' Eloise Complex in Westland sold for $1," 21 June 2018 In 1854, the county opened a poorhouse and farm and gradually added an insane asylum, infirmary and tuberculosis hospital to the property. — Nereida Moreno, latimes.com, "Challenge at Chicago school construction site: Watch for 38,000 unmarked graves," 15 Apr. 2018 In 1854, the county opened a poorhouse and farm and gradually added an insane asylum, infirmary and tuberculosis hospital to the property. — Nereida Moreno, latimes.com, "Challenge at Chicago school construction site: Watch for 38,000 unmarked graves," 15 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'poorhouse.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

19 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Poorhouse.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poorhouse. Accessed 26 January 2020.

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