noun
menage
A sexual relationship or encounter involving three people.
The novel described a consensual menage involving three adults.
Etymology
This usage shortens ménage à trois, literally a household of three. The phrase’s sexual sense focuses on an intimate arrangement involving three people rather than a household generally.
More examples
- They discussed whether a menage suited their relationship.
- The memoir referred discreetly to a brief menage.
- All three adults agreed to the menage.
Forms
menage · menages
Similar words
- threesome
- Threesome is the more familiar English term in a sexual context; menage can also have a household meaning.
- triad
- Triad names any group of three; it does not itself imply a sexual relationship.