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prostitution

noun pros·ti·tu·tion \ ˌprä-stə-ˈtü-shən , -ˈtyü- \
|Updated on: 14 Jun 2018

Definition of prostitution

1 : the act or practice of engaging in promiscuous sexual relations especially for money
2 : the state of being prostituted : debasement

See prostitution defined for English-language learners

See prostitution defined for kids

Examples of prostitution in a Sentence

  1. She was arrested for prostitution.

  2. Writing commercials was a prostitution of his talents.

Recent Examples of prostitution from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prostitution.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of prostitution

1553

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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PROSTITUTION Defined for English Language Learners

prostitution

noun

Definition of prostitution for English Language Learners

  • : the work of a prostitute : the act of having sex in exchange for money

  • : the use of a skill or ability in a way that is not appropriate or respectable

Law Dictionary

prostitution

noun pros·ti·tu·tion \ ˌpräs-tə-ˈtü-shən, -ˈtyü- \

legal Definition of prostitution

: the act or practice of engaging in sexual activity indiscriminately especially for money; also : the crime of engaging in such activity

Learn More about prostitution

  1. See words that rhyme with prostitution Spanish Central: Translation of prostitution Nglish: Translation of prostitution for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of prostitution for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prostitution

Seen and Heard

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prostitution

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