rapist

noun

rap·​ist ˈrā-pist How to pronounce rapist (audio)
plural rapists
: a person who rapes someone : a person who commits rape
a convicted rapist

Examples of rapist 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.
Nothing will slow us down from recruiting more officers to remove murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members, and terrorists from American communities. Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025 These officers risk their lives every day to arrest murderers, pedophiles, rapists, terrorists and gang members from our communities. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025 The Pillowcase Rapist was one of the most notorious serial rapists in Florida history. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025 But that’s only a handful, when Gacy was one of the most prolific serial killers — and brutal serial rapists — the country has known. Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rapist

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rapist was in 1867

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Cite this Entry

“Rapist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapist. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

Medical Definition

rapist

noun
rap·​ist ˈrā-pəst How to pronounce rapist (audio)
: an individual who commits rape

More from Merriam-Webster on rapist

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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