as in prostitute
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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Recent Examples of courtesan
At the center of the plot are Christian, an aspiring composer with new bohemian friends, and Satine, a classy courtesan who has risen to cabaret stardom at the Moulin Rouge, which itself is in financial trouble under its impresario, Zidler.
Complications ensue.
—
Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025
Instead of being schooled as a courtesan, Alix has been shipped off to England in order to learn the skills required of a proper English wife.
—Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Ukiyo-e artists might paint unique portraits of famous courtesans or charming everyday tableaux on silk, to be mounted on scrolls for richer clients, and there are plenty of such stunners on display.
—Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Immerse yourself in the world of Violetta, a determined and famed courtesan, who abandons everything for love.
—Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for courtesan
Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025
Instead of being schooled as a courtesan, Alix has been shipped off to England in order to learn the skills required of a proper English wife.
—Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Ukiyo-e artists might paint unique portraits of famous courtesans or charming everyday tableaux on silk, to be mounted on scrolls for richer clients, and there are plenty of such stunners on display.
—Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Immerse yourself in the world of Violetta, a determined and famed courtesan, who abandons everything for love.
—Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for courtesan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courtesan
Noun
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Stretching from the open spaces east of Aurora to the foothills of Golden, Colfax has hosted presidents and addicts, celebrities and prostitutes — occasionally in the same venues — at its hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs, theaters, retail shops and residences, Barber said.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
22 Oct. 2025
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Police and the media classified Gacy’s victims as male prostitutes and homosexuals, using that as an excuse to marginalize and blame them.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Three other Scottish squad reinforcements -- lock Gregor Brown, hooker Ewan Ashman and prop Rory Sutherland -- were named on the bench.—
Nick Mulvenney,
Reuters,
21 July 2025
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Strip clubs, booze, hookers, blow, the whole nine yards.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Courtesan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courtesan. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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