houri: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2literary
Quick answer
What does “houri” mean?
One of the beautiful maidens said in the Quran to dwell in paradise with the faithful.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One of the beautiful maidens said in the Quran to dwell in paradise with the faithful.
Any voluptuously beautiful woman.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of exotic, unattainable, or idealised beauty, often with an archaic or Orientalist flavour.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern English. Most common in historical, literary, or comparative religious texts.
Grammar
How to Use “houri” in a Sentence
[Noun Phrase] was described as a houri.He dreamt of houris.The poet compared her to a houri.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “houri” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in studies of Islamic theology, comparative religion, or Orientalist literature.
Everyday
Virtually never used in spoken or informal written English.
Technical
Not used in a technical sense outside of religious studies.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “houri”
- Misspelling as 'houry' or 'hory'.
- Incorrect pluralisation: 'houris' is correct; 'houri' is both singular and plural in Arabic, but English typically adds '-s'.
- Mispronouncing to rhyme with 'sorry' (/ˈhɔːri/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, literary word. Most native speakers would not know it or use it in everyday conversation.
No, the term specifically denotes a female being. Its extended secular use is also exclusively for women.
The standard English plural is 'houris' (/ˈhʊər.iz/ or /ˈhʊr.iz/).
It can be perceived as dated and potentially Orientalist, reducing a woman to an exotic object of male fantasy. Its use requires sensitivity to context.
One of the beautiful maidens said in the Quran to dwell in paradise with the faithful.
Houri is usually literary in register.
Houri: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhʊər.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhʊr.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms use 'houri'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HOURI' = 'Hour I' spend in paradise with a beautiful maiden.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEAUTY IS A DIVINE/UNATTAINABLE OBJECT. WOMAN IS A CELESTIAL BEING.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'houri' be most appropriately used?