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.
After a decades-long investigation, police in California have identified a serial rapist who died by suicide in Michigan in 1997, linking him to multiple attacks in the state and across the country. Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025 This is all on top of the late-night TV and social media posts mocking him, countless Democrats campaigning against him, and endless news and opinion articles calling him everything from a felon to a rapist to a threat to democracy to Hitler. Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 6 Sep. 2025 Investigators believe the attacker was likely a serial rapist. Aaron Valdez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Sep. 2025 If drug traffickers are a legitimate target, well then why aren't rapists, murderers and child abusers? Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rapist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapist. Accessed 10 Sep. 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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