Simple Definition of courtesan

from our Learner's Dictionary

courtesan

noun

ˈkoɚtəzən How to pronounce courtesan (audio)
British ˌkɔːtəˈzæn
plural courtesans
old-fashioned : a woman who has sex with rich or important men in exchange for money : a prostitute who has sex with wealthy and powerful men

Cite this Entry

“Courtesan.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/courtesan. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

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