# harlot

/ˈhɑɹɫət/ (US) · /hˈɑːlɒt/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/harlot
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

a woman who has sex for money. People used this word long ago, and it sounds very rude now.

For teachers: a woman who engages in sexual activity for payment; now chiefly historical or literary and strongly pejorative.

## Examples

- People call her a harlot in the old play.
- The novel portrays her as a harlot shunned by the village, though the story later reveals her kindness.
- In the old sermon, the preacher uses the image of the harlot not merely as a sinner but as a symbol of moral decay threatening the whole community.

## Synonyms

prostitute

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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.