workhouse UK
ˈwɜːkˌhaʊs
Definition Synonyms

Definition of workhouse - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

1.
historyDatedUKinstitution where poor people worked for shelterDatedUK
  • Many orphans were sent to the workhouse in the 19th century..
almshouse poorhouse
2.
punishment centerDatedUKprison where inmates do manual laborDatedUK
  • He was sentenced to six months in the workhouse.
correctional facility prison
Add a suggestion |

Origin of workhouse

Old English, weorc (work) + hus (house)

Terms with workhouse included in their meaning

💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
poverty
workhouse for the impoverished
housing
section of a workhouse for temporary accommodation

Examples of workhouse in a sentence

  • He ended up in the workhouse after losing his job.
  • The workhouse was notorious for its harsh conditions.
  • Inmates in the workhouse were tasked with breaking stones.

View all translations of workhouse

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:maison de travail, bagne, ...
  2. German:Armenhaus, Zuchthaus, ...
  3. Italian:ospizio, ...
  4. Spanish:asilo de pobres, cárcel de trabajo, ...
  5. Portuguese:asilo de pobres, casa de correção, ...
  6. Chinese:济贫院, 劳役所, ...
  7. Japanese:労働施設, 労役場, ...
  8. Arabic:دَار العَمَلِ, سجن أشغال شاقة, ...
  9. Hebrew:בֵּית עֲבוֹדָה, בֵּית כְּלָא לְעֲבוֹדָה, ...
  10. Russian:трудовой дом, исправительный дом, ...
  11. Ukrainian:притулок для бідних, робітний дім, ...
  12. Hindi:कार्यशाला, वर्कहाउस, ...

Discover how Reverso redefines the dictionary

Go beyond “simple words”

Get more than a simple definition

Go from understanding to mastery