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.
Giuffre's family has questioned how the government handled the Epstein files, with her sister-in-law publicly asking why Attorney General Pam Bondi — a former human trafficking prosecutor In Florida— did not pursue the investigation more aggressively. Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026 The city will receive $22,500 a year for up to three years under the agreement involving the San Diego branch of ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations, which investigates crimes including human trafficking and drug smuggling. ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026 The discussion Tuesday, one of the last to be held inside the city chambers before commissioners move out for renovations of the historic City Hall, was sparked by two agenda items sponsored by Commissioner Melissa Castro to expand human trafficking training for first responders. Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026 Oseguera, founder of the CJNG, had taken advantage of the Sinaloa disarray, rapidly expanding the reach and activities of the group to include fuel theft, human trafficking and financial fraud. Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Feb. 2026 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 2 Mar. 2026.

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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