courtesan

[ kawr-tuh-zuhn, kur- ]

noun

1. (especially in historical use) a mistress, paramour, or prostitute, especially one associating with noblemen or men of wealth.

courtesan

/ ˌkɔːtɪˈzæn /

noun

1. (esp formerly) a prostitute, or the mistress of a man of rank

Word History and Origins

Origin of courtesan¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Middle French courtisane, from Italian cortigiana, literally, “woman of the court,” derivative of corte court

Word History and Origins

Origin of courtesan¹

C16: from Old French courtisane, from Italian cortigiana female courtier, from cortigiano courtier, from corte court

Example Sentences

And Demy’s “Lola” was inspired not just by the character made immortal by Marlene Dietrich in “The Blue Angel” but also by the courtesan chronicled in Ophuls’s last completed picture, “ Lola Montès.”

From New York Times

With every one of his 18 viewings of “Mughal-e-Azam,” a hit 1960 musical about a forbidden romance between a prince and a courtesan, the young boy fell more in love.

From New York Times

Gin, a former courtesan who runs a local brothel, bides her time until she is able to negotiate with Toranaga an expansion of her business that would evolve the profession.

From Los Angeles Times

In a brothel in Kumamoto’s licensed quarter, Ichi finds herself under the wing of its highest-earning courtesan, or oiran, the impossibly elegant Shinonome.

From New York Times

A drawing of a partially nude courtesan, reportedly found in present-day Cairo, likely dates to the 10th to 12th centuries.

From New York Times