# harem

/ˈhɛɹəm/ (US) · /hɑːɹˈiːm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/harem
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. private living quarters

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the part of a traditional Muslim house where the women of the family live, which is private from male strangers.

For teachers: the separate part of a Muslim household reserved for wives, concubines, and female servants. Historically significant in Ottoman and Mughal contexts.

- The palace tour included a visit to the beautifully decorated harem.
- Historical accounts often sensationalised the harem, failing to recognise its role as a private domestic sphere for the sultan's female relatives.

### 2. animal breeding group

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a group of female animals that live and mate with one dominant male.

For teachers: a group of female animals associated with a single dominant male for breeding purposes, common in species like seals and deer.

- The dominant male sea lion defended his harem from younger rivals.
- In many pinniped species, the size of a male's harem is directly proportional to his ability to defend a prime stretch of beach.

### 3. anime/manga genre

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a type of story, usually in Japanese animation, where one male character is surrounded by many female characters who like him.

For teachers: a subgenre of anime and manga characterised by a central protagonist surrounded by three or more potential romantic interests.

- He enjoys watching harem anime because of the funny romantic situations.
- The series subverted typical harem tropes by focusing on the development of the female characters rather than the protagonist's indecision.

### 4. group of women

noun · CEFR C2 · Informal · Humorous

a group of women who are all associated with one man.

For teachers: a group of women perceived as being the companions or followers of one man. Often used with a critical or humorous tone in modern English.

- The rock star arrived at the party with his usual harem of fans.
- The CEO was often seen at industry events surrounded by a harem of young assistants, a sight that many found outdated and unprofessional.

## Examples

- The king lived in a palace with a large harem.
- Historical accounts of the Ottoman Empire often focus on the complex social hierarchy within the imperial harem.
- The trope of the accidental harem is a staple of modern animation, where a socially awkward protagonist finds themselves the object of affection for multiple characters simultaneously.

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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.