# concubine

/ˈkɑnkjəˌbaɪn/ (US) · /kənkjˈuːbaɪn/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/concubine
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a woman who lives with a man as his wife but is not married to him. This was a common practice in some cultures in the past.

For teachers: a woman who maintains a sexual relationship with a man to whom she is not legally married. Historically significant in various legal and social systems, particularly in East Asia and the Islamic world.

## Examples

- The historical novel explores the life of a concubine in the palace.
- In some historical legal systems, a concubine could gain certain rights if she bore a child for her partner.
- The study examines how the status of a concubine varied across different dynasties, often reflecting the broader social hierarchy and the power dynamics within the household.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.