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

Schlegel has an extensive criminal record and had an outstanding 2025 warrant for escape related to a previous human trafficking conviction, authorities said. —Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 28 Jan. 2026

Patrick Gary Schlegel, 34, of Sahuarita, who authorities said was involved with human trafficking, was taken to a Tucson hospital and remained in serious condition. —Robert Anglen, AZCentral.com, 28 Jan. 2026

Hamilton and May said the measures are needed to reduce human trafficking. —Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoman, 28 Jan. 2026

Interpol highlighted cases involving South Americans and Asians in Africa, saying there appeared to be an emerging change in human trafficking that contrasts with past patterns of African victims being trafficked abroad. —Ope Adetayo, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 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