courtesans

plural of courtesan
as in prostitutes
a woman who engages in sexual activities for money the protagonist of the novel is a composite of several real-life courtesans who plied their trade among the decadent aristocracy

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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 courtesans The colorful artworks largely depict the sensual hedonistic lifestyles of city dwellers including merchants, courtesans and kabuki actors. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026 The workers at Sheri’s Ranch, who call themselves courtesans, were given a new contract in December that would give the brothel control over their intellectual property and power of attorney. Jessica Hill, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026 Annoyed with her nephew’s behavior, the Vicomte’s aunt, Madame de Rosemonde (Diane Kruger), mentors Isabelle and boldly transforms her into one of Paris’ leading courtesans. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 Nov. 2025 The victims are local teenagers, seized in roundups, while the courtesans, whose ghastly storytelling each night inspires the action, are like camp followers, the guards collaborators. David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courtesans
Noun
  • The firm’s employees took Quaaludes, a sedative medication, like candy, hired prostitutes regularly, and held gambling sprees in Monte Carlo and Las Vegas.
    Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 14 July 2026
  • Under colonial rule hijras were accused of acting as male prostitutes and of kidnapping and castrating children to grow their community.
    Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • Well, yes, there were also hookers and tequila girls and whatever else was going on in those offices.
    Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 17 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Courtesans.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courtesans. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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