# workhouse

/wˈɜːkhaʊs/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/workhouse
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

a building where poor people were forced to live and work in exchange for food and shelter. It was common in the past, especially in the UK, for people who had no money.

For teachers: an institution providing shelter and employment for the poor, typically in a highly regulated and punitive environment. Historically associated with the English Poor Law system of the 19th century.

## Examples

- The poor were sent to the workhouse to survive.
- In Victorian England, families who could not pay their rent were often forced to live in the workhouse.
- The novel explores the harsh realities of the workhouse, where the impoverished were subjected to grueling labor and strict discipline in exchange for minimal sustenance.

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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.