red-light district

noun

1. an area or district in a city in which many houses of prostitution are located.

Word History and Origins

Origin of red-light district¹

First recorded in 1890–95; allegedly so called because brothels displayed red lights

Example Sentences

In the historic red-light district where she once lived and worked, the teenage sex worker’s digital presence reminds passers-by that her case is yet to be solved.

From BBC

The city has also long tried to control the crowds in its red-light district, where rowdy groups of tourists often cause disruptions to local residents.

From New York Times

A stone's throw from the US border and around the corner from Tijuana's seedy red-light district, Afghan families say they feel safe inside a first of its kind Muslim-only shelter.

From BBC

Under them the remote, impoverished backwater of Laukkaing was transformed into a rowdy casino hub of gaudy high-rise towers and seedy red-light districts.

From BBC

The council has been trying to scrub up, banning cannabis smoking on the streets of the red-light district.

From BBC

Related Words

• bordello