noun
harem
HAIR-um/ˈhærəm/
Private household quarters traditionally set apart for women.
The harem contains private sitting and sleeping rooms for the women of the household.
Etymology
Arabic haram conveyed something forbidden or kept safe and came to denote women's quarters. The name then shifted from the reserved space to the women living there, including wives and companions.
In context
Gu Tiancheng's backer is consort Ru, the most favored consort in the entire harem.
More examples
- The palace harem includes bedrooms and a small courtyard.
- A locked door once separated the harem from the reception hall.
- The guide explains how harems provided privacy for women.
Forms
harem · harems
Similar words
- quarters
- Refers to living accommodations without specifying women or seclusion.