human trafficking

noun

: organized criminal activity in which human beings are treated as possessions to be controlled and exploited (as by being forced into sex work or involuntary labor)

Examples of human trafficking in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Homeland Security Investigations agents typically focused on transnational criminal investigations such as drug smuggling and human trafficking. — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 According to the affidavit, federal agents opened their investigation after receiving a complaint on March 25, 2025, from a representative of a nonprofit organization working against human trafficking and exploitation. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026 Refugees, asylum seekers, victims of human trafficking and domestic violence are among those who have lost coverage. — Mikella Schuettler, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026 Husted has donated remaining Wexner contributions to an anti-human trafficking charity. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for human trafficking

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of human trafficking was in 1904

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human shield

human trafficking

humanum est errare

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Human trafficking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/human%20trafficking. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

human trafficking

noun

: organized criminal activity in which human beings are treated as possessions to be controlled and exploited (as by being forced into prostitution or involuntary labor)

Legal Definition

human trafficking

noun

: the business of inducing a person to perform labor or engage in prostitution through force, fraud, or coercion see also labor trafficking, sex trafficking

human trafficking

noun

Examples of human trafficking in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Legal Definition

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