brothel

noun

ˈbrä-thəl How to pronounce brothel (audio)
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

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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 brothel No longer confined to gambling dens and brothel districts, yakuza muscled their way into other businesses, some legal, some not. — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 California crime The LAPD busted a secret network of brothels — but hasn’t arrested the owner. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026 When Charles breaks down inside the brothel, how much of it was about Adam versus Cathy? — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026 The devastating climax of the story occurs when Cal Trask (Joseph Zada) takes his idealist twin Aron (Joe Anders) to see their mother’s brothel, driving Aron to join the army and then get killed in WWI. — Max Gao, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for brothel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brothel
  1. bordello
  2. stew
  3. crib
  4. cathouse
Noun
  • The Mint was at one time a bordello with six rooms upstairs, according to co-owner Tom Ricci, who purchased the business in 1984.
    — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 31 July 2026
  • Houses could be rented for $15 a week and converted into bars, bordellos and gambling dens, with liquor licenses and health certificates optional.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2026
Definition of bordello
Noun
  • Add lightly sauteed garlic to savory dishes like pasta, stir-fry, soups, stews, or roasted vegetables.
    — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Add it to a brothy soup or a hearty stew near the end of cooking.
    — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of stew
Noun
  • Another handy feature is auto-zoom for important areas like the crib, the front door, or your pet’s favorite spot.
    — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 20 Oct. 2026
  • For families While there’s no kids’ club, and Amangani’s chic decor feels distinctly adult, the hotel welcomes families with open arms, and suites are plenty large enough for a crib or rollaway bed.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of crib
Noun
  • The cathouse madam Billie (played with authority and delight by Kate Shindle) has more to do than before.
    — ALEXIS SOLOSKI, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2018
Definition of cathouse

Browse Nearby Words

broomsticks
brothel
brothels
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Brothel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brothel. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about brothel

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