harem

noun har·em \ˈher-əm\

: a house or part of a house in which the women of a Muslim household live

: the women who live in a harem in a Muslim household

: a group of women who are associated with one man

Full Definition of HAREM

a : a usually secluded house or part of a house allotted to women in a Muslim household

b : the wives, concubines, female relatives, and servants occupying a harem

: a group of women associated with one man

: a group of females associated with one male —used of polygamous animals

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ultimately from Arabic ḥarīm, literally, something forbidden & ḥaram, literally, sanctuary

First Known Use: 1623

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