prostitution

noun

pros·​ti·​tu·​tion ˌprä-stə-ˈtü-shən 

-ˈtyü-

1

sometimes offensive; see usage paragraph below : the act or practice of engaging in sex acts and especially sexual intercourse in exchange for pay : sex work

2

: the state of being involved in or devoted to corrupt or unworthy purposes : debasement

You see, for Michelangelo, painting was only a day job—one he felt was a prostitution of his artistic talent. His passion was sculpture.

—Karen Wall Garrison

Usage of Prostitute

The terms sex worker and sex work are now preferred to prostitute and prostitution, which are increasingly rejected as offensive. Additionally, prostitute and prostitution are avoided in contexts relating to victimization especially of children because the words there are seen as an egregious mischaracterization of exploitation.

Synonyms of prostitution

• vice
• harlotry

Examples of prostitution in a Sentence

She was arrested for prostitution.

Writing commercials was a prostitution of his talents.

Recent Examples on the Web

One study found that in serial murder cases involving only female victims, the proportion involving women in prostitution jumped from 16% in the 1970s to 69% in the 2000s. — Judy Harris Kluger, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026

Combs is currently serving a 50-month sentence after his conviction on transportation to engage in prostitution charges last July. — Cheyenne Roundtree, VIBE.com, 24 July 2026

He had previously been charged on 10 counts including rape, bodily harm, human trafficking and prostitution. — Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

In all, 12 people were arrested on suspicion of soliciting prostitution and cited for release, while another was arrested and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on suspicion of solicitation and resisting arrest, according to authorities. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1553, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing prostitution

• anti-prostitution

Rhymes for prostitution

• absolution
• allocution
• attribution
• comminution
• constitution
• contribution
• convolution
• destitution
• devolution
• diminution
• dissolution
• distribution

Kids Definition

prostitution

noun

pros·​ti·​tu·​tion ˌpräs-tə-ˈt(y)ü-shən 

1

: the acts or practices of a prostitute

2

: the state of being prostituted

Legal Definition

prostitution

noun

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

: the act or practice of engaging in sexual activity indiscriminately especially for money

also : the crime of engaging in such activity