Workhouses Meaning in English
word · lemma: workhouse
Definition
Workhouses were institutions, mainly in Britain in the past, where extremely poor people lived and worked in exchange for food and shelter.
Usage & Nuances
This is a historical term, most often used when discussing Victorian-era Britain. Today, 'workhouses' can appear in literature or history lessons. Don't confuse with modern social welfare or homeless shelters; workhouses were often harsh and had a negative reputation.
Example Sentences
Many poor people lived in workhouses during the 1800s.
basic
Children in workhouses had to do hard labor.
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Charles Dickens wrote about workhouses in his novels.
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For many, the thought of workhouses brings images of misery and strict rules.
natural
Before social welfare, workhouses were the only option for the desperate.
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Stories from the old workhouses can be shocking to read today.
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