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Seraglio - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A seraglio is a palace or harem, especially in the Ottoman Empire, where the wives and concubines of a sultan lived in seclusion. It symbolizes luxury and privacy.

seraglio

/səˈræljoʊ/ /sɪˈrɑːlɪəʊ/

Definition:

A harem or palace, especially of a sultan in the Ottoman Empire.

Synonyms:

harem, palace, residence

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

monastery, convent

Common Collocations:

sultan's seraglio, opulent seraglio, imperial seraglio

Derivatives:

seraglios, seraglioed (rare)

Usage Tips:

Use "seraglio" to describe an exotic or luxurious residence, often historical or royal.

Common Phrases:

behind the seraglio walls, secrets of the seraglio

Etymology:

From Italian "serraglio," meaning enclosure, derived from Turkish "saray," meaning palace.

Examples:

  • 1. The sultan's seraglio was filled with treasures and guarded eunuchs.
  • 2. She read a novel about life in an Ottoman seraglio.
  • 3. The ancient seraglio stood as a symbol of wealth and power.
  • 4. Tourists marveled at the opulence of the restored seraglio.

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