Workhouse Meaning in English
word
释义
A workhouse was a public institution in Britain where poor people lived and worked in exchange for food and shelter, mainly in the 18th and 19th centuries.
用法与细微差别
Historic and mostly British term, rarely used in modern times outside history books and literature (especially Charles Dickens). Sometimes used metaphorically for a harsh institution. Do not use for modern shelters or prisons.
例句
In the past, poor people had to live in the workhouse.
basic
Oliver Twist was an orphan in a workhouse.
basic
The workhouse gave food to the poor, but the work was very hard.
basic
Many families ended up in the workhouse during hard times in Victorian England.
natural
His story is so sad—it starts in a workhouse and just gets worse.
natural
When people mention a workhouse, I always think of old British novels.
natural