statutory rape

noun

: sexual intercourse with a person who is below the statutory age of consent

Examples of statutory rape 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.
Evans has prior convictions for statutory rape and lewd acts with a minor. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026 He was arrested on charges of first-degree kidnapping and statutory rape of a child under the age of 15, police said. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2026 Newman was subsequently charged with first-degree kidnapping and statutory rape of a child under the age of 15. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026 Valentin-Rios pleaded guilty to statutory rape and is currently serving an 18-year prison sentence in Missouri. — CBS News, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for statutory rape

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of statutory rape was in 1873

Rhymes for statutory rape

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Browse Nearby Words

statutory period
statutory rape
statutory referendum
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Cite this Entry

“Statutory rape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statutory%20rape. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

statutory rape

noun
stat·​u·​to·​ry rape ˌstach-ə-ˌtōr-ē- How to pronounce statutory rape (audio)
: sexual intercourse with a person who is below the age of consent as defined by law

Legal Definition

statutory rape

noun
: rape consisting of sexual intercourse with a person beneath an age (as 14 years) specified by statute

Note: Many state statutes also specify a minimum age of the perpetrator or an age differential (as at least four years) between the perpetrator and the victim. Consent of the victim and belief that the victim is of the age of consent are usually considered immaterial. Statutory rape is now codified under various names, such as rape in the second degree, rape in the third degree, unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, and criminal sexual conduct in the second degree.

More from Merriam-Webster on statutory rape

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about statutory rape

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