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

Federal officials said the convictions are part of a broader effort to dismantle criminal networks that exploit migrants for profit while targeting the organizations responsible for human trafficking and alien smuggling inside the United States. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026

For him, discouraging such behavior is a preventative measure that can help reduce human trafficking. — Alexa Newsom, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026

The 37-year-old from Columbus faces 11 different counts related to the human trafficking investigation. — Michael Guise, CBS News, 14 July 2026

In December, the Illinois Department of Human Services released a multiyear plan aimed at further combating human trafficking. — Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 13 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