Brothel

/ˈbrɒθ.əl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A house where people pay to have sexual relations.

The authorities shut down the illegal brothel that operated in the heart of the city.

An establishment that houses prostitutes and facilitates sexual activities for clients.

He stumbled upon a brothel while exploring the red-light district.

A place where prostitution is practiced, often in a more formal or organized manner.

The documentary provided a stark look at the lives of women working in a brothel.

Middle English brothel, probably from Old English brōþlian 'to indulge in sexual immorality'.

house of ill repute

A euphemism for a brothel, implying its illegitimacy.

tread softly

Used to warn someone to be discreet, especially in reference to visiting a brothel.

on the prowl

Referring to seeking out sexual encounters, often associated with brothels.

sex worker

An individual who engages in sexual activity for money.

client

A person who pays for sexual services.

illicit

Something that is not permitted by law or social standards.

cat house

He took a trip to the local cat house last weekend.

den of iniquity

The old building was known as a den of iniquity for its history of brothels.