Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

odalisque

noun

/ˌoʊdəˈlɪsk/

Definition

A female slave or concubine in a harem, particularly in the context of historical Middle Eastern or North African cultures.

Examples

The artist’s painting captured the beauty of the odalisque reclining gracefully on a chaise lounge.
In literature, the odalisque often symbolizes romanticized exoticism and allure.

Meaning

The term ‘odalisque’ refers to a woman who is part of a royal or wealthy household, often associated with beauty and sensuality. It can also denote an artistic representation of such figures in paintings.