concubines

plural of concubine
as in mistresses
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 concubines 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concubines
Noun
  • Back were the villas and the apartments, the chauffeurs and the mistresses swaddled in foreign luxury.
    Julia Ioffe, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025
  • In an examination of stigma, resilience, and the search for self-worth, Paul channels his mental health struggles into domestic service for mistresses and online rituals of cleaning.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Best Playful Design Pup lovers will swoon over this white ceramic dachshund menorah by Jonathan Adler, which is finished with a soft satin matte glaze.
    Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Frosted Fraser Fir Artificial Lit Christmas Tree Flocked trees are a major trend and a must-have for some decor lovers, and this one is thoroughly frosted.
    Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Concubines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concubines. Accessed 24 Nov. 2025.

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