concubine

con·cu·bine

C c

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
- [kong-kyuh-bahyn, kon-]
- /ˈkɒŋ kyəˌbaɪn, ˈkɒn-/
- /ˈkɒŋ.kjʊ.baɪn/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [kong-kyuh-bahyn, kon-]
- /ˈkɒŋ kyəˌbaɪn, ˈkɒn-/

Definitions of concubine word

countable noun concubine In former times, a concubine was a woman who lived with and had a sexual relationship with a man of higher social rank without being married to him. 3
noun concubine (in polygamous societies) a secondary wife, usually of lower social rank 3
noun concubine a woman who cohabits with a man 3
noun concubine a woman who cohabits with a man although not legally married to him 3
noun concubine in certain polygamous societies, a secondary wife, of inferior social and legal status 3
noun concubine a woman who cohabits with a man to whom she is not legally married, especially one regarded as socially or sexually subservient; mistress. 1

See all 11 definitions of concubine

Information block about the term

Origin of concubine

First appearance:

before 1250

One of the 11% oldest English words

1250-1300; Middle English (< Anglo-French) < Latin concubīna, equivalent to concub- (variant stem of concumbere to lie together; see con-, incumbent) + -īna feminine suffix

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Concubine

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Concubine

concubine popularity

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 89% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.

Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".

concubine usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for concubine

noun concubine

mistress — a woman who has authority, control, or power, especially the female head of a household, institution, or other establishment.
courtesan — In former times, a courtesan was a woman who had sexual relationships with rich and powerful men for money.
harlot — a prostitute; whore.

All 3 Synonyms of concubine