prostitution

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

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

She was arrested for prostitution.
Writing commercials was a prostitution of his talents.

Recent Examples of prostitution from the Web

The isolated neighborhood, tucked into the wedge created by the intersection of W. Atkinson and N. Teutonia avenues, was plagued by drug-dealing, street gambling and prostitution.

— john diedrich, jsonline.com, "'No face, no case': How one man tried to permanently silence the witnesses to his crimes," 18 Aug. 2017
Qun Chen, 48, also was arrested and charged with prostitution.

— charles rabin, miamiherald, "Massage parlors trafficked in sex, offered menu of acts from $40 to $400, police say," 14 Aug. 2017
The bribes, authorities charge, were paid to insure that the bar - the scene of frequent fights and suspected drug dealing and prostitution - did not have its liquor license revoked.

— george anastasia, Philly.com, "From the archives: Key witness? Wiseguy Ron Previte," 7 Aug. 2017
Christine Keeler—a 19-year-old Soho showgirl who allegedly dabbled in prostitution—had been staying in a cottage on the property with a friend, and the two snuck into the estate's pool for a skinny-dip.

— keith flanagan, Town & Country, "Is This the Most Scandalous Hotel in England?," 26 July 2017
As a way to advertise the prostitution, prosecutors said Moorman would take and post provocative photos of the victims on the internet.

— sarah brookbank, Cincinnati.com, "Cincinnati man to be sentenced to prostitution charges in Florida," 26 July 2017
But both became dependent on drugs and in 1989, each was known to frequent streets known for prostitution.

— tony rizzo, kansascity, "Serial killer Grissom once a suspect in 2 young women’s deaths, but link went nowhere," 16 July 2017
The Senate seat has been vacant since former state Sen. Ralph Shortey resigned amid child prostitution allegations.

— charles p. pierce, Esquire, "The Democratic Party Has a Lesson to Learn from Oklahoma," 12 July 2017
Indiana State Excise Police arrested a dancer for suspected prostitution and found drugs while searching a Gary business over the weekend, according to police.

— becky jacobs, Post-Tribune, "Excise police arrest woman for prostitution, find drugs at Gary adult bookstore," 3 July 2017

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

prostitution Synonyms

Synonyms

harlotry, vice, whoredom

Related Words

demimonde; white slavery

PROSTITUTION Defined for English Language Learners

prostitution

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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

play

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

See words that rhyme with prostitution Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for 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

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prostitution

Definition of prostitution

Examples of prostitution in a Sentence

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prostitution Synonyms

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PROSTITUTION Defined for English Language Learners

prostitution

Definition of prostitution for English Language Learners

Law Dictionary

prostitution

legal Definition of prostitution

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prostitution

Definition of prostitution

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prostitution Synonyms

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PROSTITUTION Defined for English Language Learners

prostitution

Definition of prostitution for English Language Learners

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prostitution

legal Definition of prostitution

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