Definition of concubinenext
as in mistress
a female other than his wife with whom a married man has a continuing sexual relationship the offspring of one of the monarch's concubines

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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 concubine Experts say the system had only previously worked with the help of concubines who, until about 100 years ago, produced half of the past emperors. — Arkansas Online, 2 Dec. 2025 In a 2021 interview, Ferguson told Vogue that her costumes—specifically the veils—are representative of Jessica’s complicated status as a concubine and a Bene Gesserit. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2025 But experts say the male-only succession system is structurally flawed and only worked previously thanks to the help of concubines who, until about 100 years ago, produced imperial children. — Mari Yamaguchi, Twin Cities, 6 Sep. 2025 Some of them were married (or given as concubines) to Inca nobles, others became priestesses, and some ended up as human sacrifices. — ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for concubine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concubine
Noun
  • But Leonard meets Michelle (Paltrow), the beautiful but volatile mistress of a wealthy married man who has recently moved into an apartment in his family’s building.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026
  • In an early scene, Misty is jolted awake by the man’s furious widow, Celine (Amy Landecker), who has just discovered the apartment on her husband’s ledgers and is intent on kicking out his mistress.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Art lovers should aim to be there in April when Joali hosts its annual Imagi-Nature Art Festival.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The undead hero initially turns agains the X-Men and serves Apocalypse, but Gambit’s lover Rogue is able to save him by harnessing the enormous power of a Celestial and offering to sacrifice herself.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Concubine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concubine. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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