Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Brothel /bräth'-əl/ · Broth·el · IPA /ˈbɹɔθəl/ 01 n. A house of lewdness or ill fame; a house frequented by prostitutes; a bawdyhouse. 1. A house of lewdness or ill fame; a house frequented by prostitutes; a bawdyhouse.