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 authorities describe TdA as a sprawling transnational organization involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, and killings across Latin America and increasingly inside the United States. —Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 15 May 2026

Most recently, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has suggested that surrogacy is human trafficking and constitutes modern-day slavery. —Ann Marie Luft, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026

Fully funding immigration judges and Border Patrol to ensure asylum cases are quickly and fairly adjudicated while stopping real crime such as drug and human trafficking. —Rachel Royster may 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026

Police say the area has struggled with human trafficking and prostitution activity. —Da Lin, CBS News, 9 May 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