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

If someone needs help and wants to connect with services and resources related to human trafficking in Santa Clara, call the 24-hour confidential hotline at [phone]. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

An administration statement said the change was an effort to reduce the high number of claims that did not rise to the level of criminal human trafficking but nonetheless triggered the award of benefits and relief. — Ryan J. Foley, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Mainly based in Romania since 2017, the pair has been under investigation since December 2022 in that country for allegations including human trafficking. — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

That same year, Murad was named the United Nations’ first goodwill ambassador for the dignity of survivors of human trafficking. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 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