prostitution

noun

ˌprä-stə-ˈtü-shən How to pronounce prostitution (audio)
Definition of prostitutionnext
sometimes offensive
as in vice
the practice of engaging in sexual activities for money prostitution is illegal in most states

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of prostitution The practical impact is not immediately clear since many who have engaged in prostitution may still be either immediately disqualified or weeded out upon further scrutiny from FBI polygraphers and security officials. — Eric Tucker, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 York, 45, was arrested Sunday in the prostitution sting, initially facing misdemeanor charges of engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 After the arrest, authorities initially charged York with engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools. — Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 The charges originally included engaging in prostitution but were later amended. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prostitution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prostitution
harlotry
Noun
  • In one case, the life of an upper-class woman and contemporary of Julius Caesar, Clodia, saw her reputation destroyed by false claims of harlotry, home-wrecking, and husband-killing.
    — Time, Time, 24 Nov. 2025
  • Within the slippery world of harlotry—where class can be transcended and humanity bought—relationships form that defy our historical assumptions about the bounded categories of human experience.
    — Sarah Marshall, New Republic, 2 June 2017
Definition of harlotry

Browse Nearby Words

prostituting
prostitution
prostitutions
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Cite this Entry

“Prostitution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prostitution. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prostitution

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prostitution

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