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
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.
Captives of a human trafficking ring, their fight for survival turns even more desperate when a violent storm hurls their container into the ocean. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025 The Shrine, an oasis of faith in the heart of downtown, has a women’s clinic that helps with all that comes with addiction and human trafficking. Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025 Inside, a sign advertised spa services, and another ironically warned against human trafficking. Brooke Taylor, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025 Those include the manufacture, distribution and use of drugs, firearm and weapons offenses, assault, murder, gambling, prostitution and human trafficking, among others. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for human trafficking

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of human trafficking was in 1904

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Human trafficking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/human%20trafficking. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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