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

In her 30-year career, Laura has won numerous national awards for coverage of human trafficking, child welfare, crime and government secrecy. — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026

He had previously been charged on 10 counts including rape, bodily harm, human trafficking and prostitution. — Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

From a human trafficking sweep, to a mistrial in the K Street mass shooting case, to a look at a state worker Reddit community, here’s a rundown of the top Sacramento stories on July 21. — Ruyuan Li. Summary Produced By Ai Assistance, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026

Last week, six women filed civil complaints against Marie, the former head of Elite Model Management’s Paris office, alleging rape and human trafficking at the Paris Judicial Court. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

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