Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun workhouse

2 senses of workhouse

Sense 1
workhouse -- (a poorhouse where able-bodied poor are compelled to labor)
       => poorhouse -- (an establishment maintained at public expense in order to provide housing for the poor and homeless)

Sense 2
workhouse -- (a county jail that holds prisoners for periods up to 18 months)
       => jail, jailhouse, gaol, clink, slammer, poky, pokey -- (a correctional institution used to detain persons who are in the lawful custody of the government (either accused persons awaiting trial or convicted persons serving a sentence))