# doxy

/ˈdɑksi/ (US) · /dˈɒksi/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/doxy
Updated: 2026-08-24

## Definition

an old-fashioned word for a lover, especially someone you are not married to. It was once common in literature but sounds dated or playful today.

For teachers: a lover or mistress, especially one kept outside marriage. Archaic in modern use; occasionally revived for ironic or literary effect.

## Examples

- The novel's hero keeps a secret doxy in the city.
- In Restoration comedies, a rake might boast of his doxy while his respectable fiancée remains unaware.
- The poet's letters reveal that his 'doxy' was in fact a married woman of considerable social standing, making their liaison doubly dangerous.

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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.