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bawd

noun

ˈbȯd How to pronounce bawd (audio)
Definition of bawdnext
old-fashioned
as in prostitute
a woman who engages in sexual activities for money in the 17th century the port was a notorious hangout for Caribbean pirates and their bawds

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bawd Lewd women, bawds and adventuresses were not welcome in courts, nor were prostitutes or immoral characters. — Clement Knox, Time, 4 Feb. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bawd
  1. prostitute
  2. hooker
Noun
  • The clock ticking also comes with Aiden, played by Taio Gélinas, needing to quickly raise cash as a male prostitute to put a deposit down on an apartment.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026
  • He and Rita, a resourceful prostitute (Maya Rudolph), are cryogenically frozen.
    — Donald Liebenson, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of prostitute
Noun
  • Depending on what the alleged hooker’s name was, maybe York was just trying to stay under the Valerie cap?
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Skipper and scrumhalf Lucu darted over after a strong run into contact from his hooker Lamothe and touched down on the half-hour to score France’s fourth try, securing a bonus competition point.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
Definition of hooker

Browse Nearby Words

baubles
bawd
bawdiness
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Cite this Entry

“Bawd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bawd. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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