Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
workhouse
noun
/ˈwɜːrkˌhaʊs/
Definition
An institution where those unable to support themselves are offered accommodation and employment.
Examples
- During the Victorian era, many poor families were sent to the workhouse for assistance.
- The old workhouse is now a museum, showcasing the harsh conditions of the past.
Meaning
A workhouse was traditionally a place where poor people would live and work to earn their keep, typically run by local authorities.
Synonyms
- Poorhouse
- Asylum
- Labor house
