English · Word Candidate

whore

/hɔː/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: whores · whoring · whored

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Synonym of prostitute: a person (especially a woman) who offers sexual services for payment.

NounRegister: vulgar

Examples

The merciless Macdonald – worthy to be a rebel, for that the multiplying villainies of nature do swarm upon him – from the Western Isles of kerns and gallowglasses is supplied, and fortune on his damned quarrel smiling showed like a rebel's whore.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A person who is sexually promiscuous; a slut.

NounRegister: vulgar

Examples

He cals her on a ſudden, all to naught; ſhe is a ſtrumpet, a light huswife, a bitch, an arrant whore.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To prostitute oneself.

VerbRegister: vulgar

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To engage the services of a prostitute.

VerbRegister: vulgar

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “whore” mean?

Synonym of prostitute: a person (especially a woman) who offers sexual services for payment.

Is “whore” formal or informal?

whore is generally vulgar.