Synonyms of courtesan

courtesan

noun

ˈkȯr-tə-zən 

as in prostitute

a woman who engages in sexual activities for money

the protagonist of the novel is a composite of several real-life courtesans who plied their trade among the decadent aristocracy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prostitute
• hooker
• streetwalker
• madam
• bawd
• madame
• tart
• call girl
• woman of the street
• sex worker
• hustler
• cocotte
• drab
• hussy
• floozy
• siren
• minx
• coquette
• libertine
• temptress
• flirt
• tramp
• jade
• tempter
• chippie
• vamp
• doxy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of courtesan

Kidman made audiences weep as Satine, the beautiful courtesan who is the star of the eponymous club in turn-of-the-century Paris. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026

An age-old, decidedly protean legend of an illicit love affair between Prince Salim (who ascended the throne as Jahangir) and a courtesan named Anarkali took its most recognizable form in the 1922 Urdu-language stage play Anarkali by Imtiaz Ali Taj. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Mar. 2026

The colorful artworks largely depict the sensual hedonistic lifestyles of city dwellers including merchants, courtesans and kabuki actors. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026

The workers at Sheri's Ranch, who call themselves courtesans, were given a new contract in December that would give the brothel control over their intellectual property and power of attorney. — CBS News, 13 Feb. 2026