Terminology The word has been recorded in the English language since the early 17th century. It comes from the Arabic: ḥarīm, which can mean "a sacred inviolable place", "harem" or "female members of …

Dec 5, 2025 · Harem, in Muslim countries, the part of a house set apart for the women of the family. The word ḥarīmī is used collectively to refer to the women themselves.

In a Muslim household, a harem is a part of a house set apart for women and from which nonfamily males are excluded. Harems existed in the pre-Islamic civilizations of the Middle East and in the …

HAREM definition: 1. especially in the past in some Muslim societies, the wives or other female sexual partners of a…. Learn more.

May 21, 2018 · The harem can also be referred to as a seraglio (meaning, ‘the walled palace’), wherein the sultan's wives, children, divorced wives, concubines, slaves, and eunuchs might live.

Definition of harem noun in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Dec 14, 2025 · harêm (plural harem-harem) harem: the private section of an Arab household, traditionally forbidden to male strangers a group of someone's girlfriends, wives and/or concubines in …

A group of women who are confined to a private living space and are typically associated with a male ruler or wealthy individual. "The prince's harem was the subject of much gossip and intrigue among …

HAREM definition: the part of a Muslim palace or house reserved for the residence of women. See examples of harem used in a sentence.

In the past, if a man, especially a Muslim, had several wives or sexual partners living in his house, they were often referred to as his harem.