First Known Use: circa 1566
Dictionary
brothel
noun broth·el \ˈbrä-thəl, ˈbrȯ- also -thəl\
: a building in which prostitutes are available
Full Definition of BROTHEL
: bordello
See brothel defined for English-language learners
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of BROTHEL
Middle English, worthless fellow, prostitute, from brothen, past participle of brethen to waste away, go to ruin, from Old English brēothan to waste away; akin to Old English brēotan to break — more at brittle
Related to BROTHEL
- Synonyms
- bagnio, bawdy house, bordello, cathouse, disorderly house, sporting house, stew, whorehouse
Learn More About BROTHEL
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up brothel? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).