harem

/ˈhɛrəm/
noun
  1. The part of a traditional Muslim household reserved for women, or the women living there.
    • Historians study the role of women in the Ottoman harem.
    • The palace included a large harem with gardens and fountains.
    • The sultan's harem was a private area where his wives and servants lived.
  2. A group of female animals that mate with and are cared for by a single male.
    • In some bird species, a male will defend a harem of females during breeding season.
    • A harem of seals gathered on the beach around the dominant bull.
    • The male lion protects his harem of lionesses from other males.
  3. A group of women who are romantically or sexually associated with one man (often used humorously or critically).
    • In the cartoon, the king had a comical harem of princesses.
    • The celebrity was known for traveling with a harem of admirers.
    • She joked that her cat had a harem of stuffed toys.