How to Pronounce "courtesan"
word
kɔːtɪˈzæn
KOR-ti-ZAN
kˈɔːtɪzən
KAW-ti-zuhn
Definition
A courtesan is a woman who, especially in the past, was paid to provide companionship and sometimes sexual relationships to wealthy or powerful men, often in a court or noble setting.
IPA Transcription
American English
kɔːtɪˈzæn
British English
kˈɔːtɪzən
Simplified Pronunciation
US
KOR-ti-ZAN
UK
KAW-ti-zuhn
Listen in Context
In old times, a courtesan could influence the decisions of kings.
A courtesan was often educated and knew how to entertain important guests.
Some famous courtesans became legends in European history.
People often confuse a courtesan with a regular prostitute, but their roles in society were quite different.