Brothel Meaning
/ˈbɹɔθəl/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounA house of prostitution.
nounA wretch; a depraved or lewd person.
Sentence Examples
As I left the brothel, I was embarrassed to be seen by my friends.
I plan to work in a brothel.
This building is a hotel, not a brothel.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The police raided the illegal ____ in the city center.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The historical novel describes the dangerous life in an illegal ____ during the 19th century.
Word Origin & History
Short for brothel-house (“house of prostitution”), from brothel (“a wretch; scoundrel; lecher; harlot; prostitute”) + house, influenced by bordel. For more on brothel (“a wretch”), see below.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Thus, during the last four years, I have visited brothels about every ten days or two weeks. Only seldom does coitus fail; for I have learned my peculiarities, and in the choice of a prostitute know immediately whether she will excite me or have no effect."
— 1893, Richard von Krafft-Ebing, “Congenital Homo-sexuality”, in Charles Gilbert Chaddock, transl., Psychopathia Sexualis, The F. A. Davis Co., page 245:
"Only women already existing in the social margins became actresses.²⁶ For example, celebrated tragedienne Elizabeth Barry was an orphan, Nell Gwynn a barmaid raised in a brothel, Moll Davis the illegitimate daughter of a Colonel. Other actresses were the wives and daughters of male actors, as for example Mary Saunderson (Mrs Betterton) and (in a later period) Mrses Kean, Kemble and Siddons."
— 2003, Rob Baum, Female Absence: Women, Theatre, and Other Metaphors, Brussels: P.I.E.-Peter Lang, →ISBN, page 89:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The police raided the illegal ____ in the city center.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The historical novel describes the dangerous life in an illegal ____ during the 19th century.