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

Much of the human trafficking investigated in Placer County involves online solicitation and dating apps, the Sheriff’s Office said. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2026

The State Department already uses such a system to evaluate global efforts to counter narcotics and human trafficking. — Sam Mullins, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026

Homeland Security Investigations agents typically focused on transnational criminal investigations such as drug smuggling and human trafficking. — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

According to the affidavit, federal agents opened their investigation after receiving a complaint on March 25, 2025, from a representative of a nonprofit organization working against human trafficking and exploitation. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 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