Geisha
/ˈɡeɪʃə/noun
A Japanese woman trained in traditional arts, music, dance, and formal entertainment.
Did you know?The word geisha originally described entertainers of either sex; early male geisha, called hōkan or taikomochi, existed before the profession became predominantly female.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Chinese
Chinese
藝者
“A person skilled in an art or craft; the source of the Japanese compound.”
8th Century
Classical Japanese
芸者
“A person practiced in the arts; a performer or entertainer.”
17th Century
Japanese
芸者
“An entertainer, originally including men who performed music, storytelling, and social amusement.”
18th–19th Century
Japanese
芸者
“A professionally trained female entertainer specializing in music, dance, conversation, and traditional arts.”
1890s
English
geisha
“An English borrowing used for a Japanese female entertainer.”
Modern English
English
geisha
“A Japanese woman trained in traditional arts and formal entertainment.”