courtesan: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Not exactly. While a courtesan engaged in sexual relationships for financial support, the term specifically denotes a woman of higher status, often educated, artistically talented, and moving in elite circles, which distinguished her from a common prostitute in historical contexts.

No, 'courtesan' is exclusively feminine. The male equivalent in certain historical contexts might be a 'gigolo' or 'cavalier servente', but these are not direct synonyms as they lack the specific connotations of artistic patronage and high social status.

Yes, it would be highly archaic and likely offensive if used to describe a contemporary person, as it imposes an anachronistic and morally judged historical role onto them. It is safe only as a historical or literary term.

While both are cultural entertainers and companions, a geisha (in traditional Japanese culture) is primarily a professional performer of arts like music and dance, with sexuality not being a defining or guaranteed part of her role. A courtesan's role was explicitly defined by a sexual relationship with a patron, alongside cultural companionship.

A woman, especially in historical contexts, who is a professional companion, mistress, or paramour to wealthy or high-status men.

Courtesan is usually formal, literary, historical in register.

Courtesan: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɔː.tɪˈzæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːr.tə.zən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.