disorderly house: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Legal, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “disorderly house” mean?
A house, building, or establishment where illegal or immoral activities are habitually carried on.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A house, building, or establishment where illegal or immoral activities are habitually carried on.
In legal contexts, it specifically denotes premises used for activities such as prostitution, gambling, or the sale of illegal substances, constituting a public nuisance. It can also be used more broadly and euphemistically for any venue considered morally corrupt or disruptive to public order.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is a standard part of legal vocabulary in both jurisdictions, often found in statutes. In everyday speech, it is archaic. There is no significant lexical difference, though the specific illegal activities implied by the term may vary slightly by local law.
Connotations
Connotes illegality, vice, and official condemnation. It has a slightly antiquated, formal sound. In modern journalism, terms like 'brothel', 'gambling den', or 'drug house' are more specific and common.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language, mostly confined to legal texts, historical accounts, and formal charges. Its usage has declined in favour of more precise terms.
Grammar
How to Use “disorderly house” in a Sentence
[Subject: authority/police] + [Verb: raid/shut down/charge] + [Object: disorderly house][Subject: person] + [Verb: keep/maintain/operate] + [Object: disorderly house]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “disorderly house” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The landlord was accused of permitting his property to be used as a disorderly house.
- Authorities moved to have the premises declared disorderly.
American English
- The defendant was charged with keeping and maintaining a disorderly house.
- The city ordinance prohibits operating a disorderly house.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as a standalone adjective. It functions as a compound noun.
American English
- Not applicable as a standalone adjective. It functions as a compound noun.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or legal studies discussing vice, crime, or urban history.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound formal or old-fashioned.
Technical
Core usage is in legal contexts as a specific charge or description in statutes and court documents.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “disorderly house”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “disorderly house”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “disorderly house”
- Using it to mean a messy or untidy house (a common error due to the literal meaning of 'disorderly').
- Using it in informal conversation where simpler terms (brothel, gambling den) are more appropriate.
- Confusing it with 'safe house' (which has a protective, positive connotation).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, this is a common mistake. In its primary legal and historical sense, it specifically refers to a place used for illegal or immoral activities like prostitution or gambling, not physical untidiness.
It remains on the statute books in some jurisdictions but is largely archaic in everyday language. Modern reporting uses more specific terms like 'brothel', 'illegal casino', or 'drug den'.
A 'brothel' is a specific type of disorderly house used for prostitution. 'Disorderly house' is a broader legal category that can also include premises used for illegal gambling, unlicensed drinking, or other activities deemed a public nuisance.
It could be used ironically or humorously to describe a very chaotic but legal social gathering (e.g., 'My student flat was a bit of a disorderly house on weekends'), but this usage relies on subverting the term's serious, legal connotations.
A house, building, or establishment where illegal or immoral activities are habitually carried on.
Disorderly house is usually formal, legal, journalistic in register.
Disorderly house: in British English it is pronounced /dɪsˈɔːdəli ˌhaʊs/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪsˈɔːrdərli ˌhaʊs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A den of iniquity (similar conceptual metaphor but not a direct idiom for 'disorderly house')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'house' where the normal 'order' of law is 'dis'-rupted by illegal activities.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMORALITY/CRIME IS DISORDER (contrasted with a lawful, orderly household).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'disorderly house' MOST appropriately used?