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Definition of courtesan

courtesan

/ˈkɔːr.tə.zæn/
cour · te · san
Plural:courtesans
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courtesan Lexical Profile

courtesan Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A prostitute or mistress, especially one with wealthy, noble, or upper-class clients.

Example

"In Renaissance Venice, an educated courtesan often participated in the city's literary and musical salons."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for courtesan

• Nearby Words

courteously
courteousness
courter
courtesan
courtesy
courthouse
courtier

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from French courtisane, from Italian cortigiana, the feminine form of cortigiano ('courtier'), derived from corte ('royal court'). Originally denoting a woman attached to a royal court, the term soon specialized to refer to a high-class mistress or paramour of nobles.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Courtesan. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/courtesan
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