Definition of brothelnext
as in bordello
a building in which prostitutes are available the district is infamous for its brothels and drug dealers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 brothel Of the girls in that cohort, many were sold to brothels in Asia; others were shipped to pimps in Europe or married off to pedophiles abroad. Natalia Paradies, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025 Ibsen’s play takes place in George and Hedda’s front room over a two-day period, and the only nighttime debauchery happens offstage at one of Judge Brack’s bachelor parties, which spirals out of control when Lovborg gets into a fight at a brothel and loses his manuscript on the walk back to town. Rory Doherty, Time, 29 Oct. 2025 But Siepierski also concluded that the mansion probably was a brothel, based on what the neighbors said and the volume of racy lingerie, high heels, leather, whips and correspondence. Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025 Parrilla’s character is described as the ruthless proprietor of a shadowy electronic brothel whose obsession sets her on a relentless pursuit. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brothel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brothel
Noun
  • In a genius move, Ortega and her stylist, Enrique Melendez, chose a dress for her Late Night With Seth Meyers appearance that’s a deconstructed take on a corset, combining plenty of seedy bordello elements: intentional stains, ripped hems, and straps askew.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Attempts by modern writers to cast the Adams Hotel as a bordello are fanciful.
    Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • Ground almonds are a great thickener for soups or stews.
    Pamela Assid Woughter, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2026
  • In the ruins of the kitchen sat two cast-iron Le Creuset stew pots — the only survivors.
    Jonathan Taplin, Rolling Stone, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The angle of the fan is adjustable, so airflow can be directed toward a child’s face on a hot afternoon or toward a crib during nap time.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026
  • In her bedroom is a crib holding newborn Cristina and candles burning under a religious portrait and photos from her wedding.
    Carol Guzy, Miami Herald, 1 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Bird Cage Theatre, Tombstone This legendary gambling hall, saloon and cathouse operated during Tombstone’s heyday.
    Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 1 Jan. 2025
  • While he’s recycled some material over the years, Springsteen busted out a truly outrageous new one last year that involved a Nevada cathouse, a lot of flatulence, and other bodily fluids.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 7 Sep. 2022

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Brothel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brothel. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on brothel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!