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

This includes visas for human trafficking and domestic violence victims and juveniles, as well as several work permits. —Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 17 Apr. 2026

On Thursday, a jury found Geisy Rodriguez Brito, 33, of Royal Palm Beach, guilty of human trafficking and unlawful use of a two-way communications device but not guilty of deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution or witness tampering. —Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026

Images by Lisa Kristine were made possible by the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Foundation in Partnership with Human Thread Foundation to eradicate slavery and human trafficking. —CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026

The Alameda County District Attorney’s office dropped pimping and human trafficking charges against him in exchange for his plea. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 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