harem
harem Lexical Profile
harem Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The separate, private part of a traditional Muslim household reserved for wives, concubines, and female servants.
"Historians have extensively documented the architectural layout and daily routines of the Ottoman imperial harem."
The women occupying a traditional private household quarters, or the wives and concubines of a polygamous man collectively.
"The royal harem wielded considerable political influence behind the scenes of the palace court."
A group of female animals sharing a single mate and territory during the breeding season, such as among elephant seals or red deer.
"The dominant bull elephant seal fiercely defends his harem along the crowded beach."
• Rhymes for harem
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century from Ottoman Turkish 'harem', itself from Arabic 'ḥarīm' or 'ḥaram', meaning 'a prohibited or sacred place', derived from the root 'ḥ-r-m' (to be forbidden or inviolate).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.