# eunuch

/ˈjunək/ (US) · /jˈuːnʌtʃ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

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

## Definition

a man who has been castrated, usually for religious or political reasons. In history, some people were made this way to work in royal palaces or religious groups.

For teachers: a castrated male, historically often employed in royal or religious contexts. Refers to the physical state or the person who has undergone the procedure.

## Examples

- The palace was staffed by several eunuchs who served the emperor.
- Historical records indicate that the role of the eunuch was to ensure the safety of the royal family by preventing sexual access to the harem.
- The social hierarchy of the imperial court was strictly maintained by the presence of eunuchs, whose lack of reproductive capability made them trusted intermediaries between the emperor and his concubines.

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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.