1. the women’s quarters in a Muslim household
Usage: historical
2. the wives, concubines, and female servants living in such quarters
Usage: historical

Examples

• The palace had elaborate harems with beautiful gardens.
• Historical accounts describe the daily life in Ottoman harems.
• The women in the harems were often well-educated and influential.
• Many harems contained libraries and music rooms.
• Visitors were not permitted to enter the harems.
• The architecture of harems emphasized privacy and security.