prostitution

noun

pros·​ti·​tu·​tion ˌprä-stə-ˈtü-shən 

-ˈtyü-

1

sometimes offensive; see usage paragraph below : the act or practice of engaging in sex acts and especially sexual intercourse in exchange for pay : sex work

2

: the state of being involved in or devoted to corrupt or unworthy purposes : debasement

You see, for Michelangelo, painting was only a day job—one he felt was a prostitution of his artistic talent. His passion was sculpture.

—Karen Wall Garrison

Usage of Prostitute

The terms sex worker and sex work are now preferred to prostitute and prostitution, which are increasingly rejected as offensive. Additionally, prostitute and prostitution are avoided in contexts relating to victimization especially of children because the words there are seen as an egregious mischaracterization of exploitation.

Synonyms of prostitution

• vice
• harlotry

Examples of prostitution in a Sentence

She was arrested for prostitution.

Writing commercials was a prostitution of his talents.

Recent Examples on the Web

Federal prosecutors allege Flores was part of the inner circle of TdA leadership operating in Bogota, Colombia, overseeing a network involved in cocaine trafficking, extortion, and prostitution. —Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 15 May 2026

Prosecutors allege Eichorn, who represented District 6 before resigning in March 2025, responded to an online prostitution ad that was part of a sting by Bloomington police and other law enforcement. —Frankie McLister, CBS News, 14 May 2026

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office first charged Eichorn with soliciting prostitution from a minor over the age of 16. —Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 14 May 2026

The report details allegations of rape, child prostitution, forced labor and trafficking linked to mining camps throughout the Amazon. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1553, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing prostitution

• anti-prostitution

Rhymes for prostitution

• absolution
• allocution
• attribution
• comminution
• constitution
• contribution
• convolution
• destitution
• devolution
• diminution
• dissolution
• distribution

Kids Definition

prostitution

noun

pros·​ti·​tu·​tion ˌpräs-tə-ˈt(y)ü-shən 

1

: the acts or practices of a prostitute

2

: the state of being prostituted

Legal Definition

prostitution

noun

pros·​ti·​tu·​tion ˌpräs-tə-ˈtü-shən, -ˈtyü- 

: the act or practice of engaging in sexual activity indiscriminately especially for money

also : the crime of engaging in such activity