harlot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harlot" is correct and usable in written English, though it is somewhat archaic and may carry negative connotations.
You can use it in literary or historical contexts, often to refer to a woman who engages in promiscuous behavior or prostitution. Example: "In the novel, the protagonist encounters a harlot who reveals the darker side of the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But the conservative blogosphere, the radio provocateurs and Fox News continue to attack Fluke as a Democratic "plant", a "FemiNazi" activist, and, of course, a harlot.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even now, I fear that people will say it was me and that I must have done something wrong; that there was bad in me that made other men do that; that I was a child harlot.

The Guardian

In a speech in 1930, Baldwin denounced "falsehood, misrepresentation and half-truths" in the two papers, accusing their owners of seeking "power without responsibility – the prerogative of the harlot throughout the ages", remarks which, according to one account, caused reporters "to jump out of their skins to a man".

The Guardian - Opinion

Their grip was interrupted by the invasion of Charles VIII of France in 1494, which brought in its wake the brief rule of Girolamo Savonarola, the austere Dominican friar from Ferrara who berated the Florentines for their luxuries, gambling, carnivals, and particularly their wanton paintings, which made "the Virgin Mary look like a harlot".

The Economist

The Franks enthroned a harlot in the Patriarch's chair.

The Economist

Prostitution at least offered financial independence: a typical harlot could earn in a month what a tradesman or clerk would earn in a year.

The Economist

Other terms for slaves were the apprentice, the pauper, the harlot, the felon, the actor, and the complex image of the Southern "Sambo" or Caribbean "Quashee".

Encyclopedia Britannica

On another occasion he repulsed their assault on him at Gaza, where he had gone to visit a harlot.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even after he retired from office late in 1793, he issued directives from Monticello opposing the Neutrality Act (1793) and the Jay Treaty (1795) as pacts with the British harlot and betrayals of our French brethren.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Among his most-celebrated long plays is Anna Christie, perhaps the classic American example of the ancient "harlot with a heart of gold" theme; it became an instant popular success.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Her poetry was castigated as "alien to the Soviet people," and she herself was publicly insulted as a "harlot-nun" by none other than Andrey Zhdanov, a Politburo member and the director of Stalin's program of cultural repression.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for more neutral or descriptive alternatives such as "prostitute" or "sex worker" in contemporary writing, unless you're aiming for a specific archaic or literary effect.

Common error

Avoid using the term "harlot" casually or without understanding its historical baggage. It's not a synonym for simply a promiscuous woman but carries connotations of commercial sex and social stigma.

Linguistic Context

"Harlot" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a female prostitute. This aligns with Ludwig's definition and examples, which show its use in describing individuals engaged in commercial sex, often within historical or literary contexts. It can also function as a verb, though this usage is less common. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, although the tool notes its archaic nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

24%

Books

12%

Less common in

Science

6%

Lifestyle

5%

Arts

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "harlot" primarily functions as a noun to denote a female prostitute. While grammatically correct, it is an archaic term that carries strong negative connotations. According to Ludwig AI, it's usable in literary or historical contexts, but more neutral terms like "prostitute" or "sex worker" are often preferred in contemporary writing. Usage is common in news, encyclopedias and books but less so in science, lifestyle, and arts. Consider the context carefully when using "harlot" due to its potential to offend.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prostitute

A more direct and widely accepted term for a person who engages in sexual acts for payment.

whore

A more vulgar and derogatory term for a prostitute.

fallen woman

An archaic term implying a woman has lost her virtue or social standing due to sexual activity.

woman of the street

A euphemistic term referring to a prostitute who solicits clients in public places.

lady of the night

A more poetic and euphemistic term for a prostitute.

courtesan

Historically, a refined prostitute, often associated with wealthy or powerful clients.

strumpet

An archaic and derogatory term for a female prostitute.

loose woman

A term suggesting a woman has relaxed sexual morals.

scarlet woman

A biblical term often used to describe a woman of questionable morals or a prostitute.

working girl

A more neutral, sometimes euphemistic, term for a prostitute.

FAQs

What does the word "harlot" mean?

A "harlot" is an archaic term for a female prostitute or a promiscuous woman. It often carries negative connotations and moral judgments.

What can I say instead of "harlot"?

You can use alternatives like "prostitute", "sex worker", or "fallen woman" depending on the context and desired tone.

Is it offensive to call someone a "harlot"?

Yes, calling someone a "harlot" is generally considered offensive due to its historical association with moral condemnation and the stigma surrounding prostitution.

How is the term "harlot" used in literature?

In literature, "harlot" is often used to depict characters involved in prostitution, to evoke a sense of historical context, or to explore themes of morality and social degradation. It might also be used metaphorically to represent corruption or moral decay.