prostitution

noun

ˌprä-stə-ˈtü-shən How to pronounce prostitution (audio)
Definition of prostitutionnext
sometimes offensive
as in vice
the practice of engaging in sexual activities for money prostitution is illegal in most states

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of prostitution Combs was originally sentenced to 50 months after being convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution in July 2025. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026 Combs has been incarcerated since his September 2024 arrest and is serving a 50-month prison sentence for his conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. — Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 26 June 2026 Youssef alleged the property later became associated with gang activity, narcotics activity, prostitution and violence. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026 In April of that year, Michael Spilotro and a third brother, Victor, were charged with extorting money from two businesses associated with prostitution and using violence to enforce their demands, UPI reported at the time. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for prostitution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prostitution
harlotry
Noun
  • In one case, the life of an upper-class woman and contemporary of Julius Caesar, Clodia, saw her reputation destroyed by false claims of harlotry, home-wrecking, and husband-killing.
    — Time, Time, 24 Nov. 2025
Definition of harlotry

Browse Nearby Words

prostituting
prostitution
prostitutions
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Cite this Entry

“Prostitution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prostitution. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prostitution

Nglish: Translation of prostitution for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prostitution

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