bordello

IPA/bɔːˈdeləʊ/
KK[bɔrdˈɛlˌo]IPA/bɔːrˈdeləʊ/

bordello — noun

  • bordellosingular
  • bordellosplural

1. a house or other business where clients go to pay sex workers for sexual service

1.noun
Definition

a house or other business where clients go to pay sex workers for sexual services, often mentioned in historical or literary settings

Example

The police closed the bordello after neighbours reported late-night fights.

collocation: close a bordello

In the novel, Elena escapes from a bordello near the old port.

register: literary or historical usage

Common collocations
  • close a bordello
  • run a bordello
  • former bordello
  • bordello records
  • a bordello was operating
Synonyms

Usage Note

Usually seen in historical, literary, or dramatic writing rather than in plain modern conversation. If you want a neutral term, 'brothel' is usually the better choice.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Bordello' and 'brothel' point to the same kind of place, but they create different tones. 'Brothel' is the neutral modern word and fits news reports, classroom explanations, and formal discussion. 'Bordello' often sounds older, more literary, or slightly theatrical, so it appears easily in historical fiction or stylized narration. 'Whorehouse' is rougher and more insulting because it uses a strongly derogatory word for the workers. 'House of prostitution' is the most formal and explicit option, especially in legal or official language. If you want the meaning without extra colour, choose 'brothel'; choose 'bordello' when the older or literary flavour matters to the scene.

brothel ↗whorehouse ↗house of prostitution

Etymology

FrenchItalianEnglish

'Bordello' entered English from continental European forms related to French 'bordel' and Italian 'bordello'. Those words were linked to the idea of a small hut or house before narrowing to a place used for paid sex. In modern English, the word usually keeps a historical or literary feel rather than sounding neutral.