diensthuis

Dutch

Etymology

Compound of dienst +‎ huis. From Biblical Hebrew בֵּית עֲבָדִים (“house of bondage”), used in Exodus.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈdinst.ɦœy̯s/

• Audio:

  (file)

• Hyphenation: dienst‧huis

Noun

diensthuis n (plural diensthuizen, diminutive diensthuisje n)

1. (figurative, chiefly singular) A place where one is subject to slavery, servitude or any other oppression.
2. (rare) An outbuilding used for chores.