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
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
Examples of prostitution in a Sentence
She was arrested for prostitution.
Writing commercials was a prostitution of his talents.
Recent Examples on the Web
These smugglers charge thousands of euros a person and often force their passengers into prostitution or other forms of black market labor by withholding their documents to pay off the debt.
—ABC News, 12 June 2026
In 2011 — three years after Jeffrey Epstein plead guilty to charges of soliciting prostitution of a minor — Microsoft founder Bill Gates started communicating with him extensively.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 11 June 2026
The judge in the case granted a temporary injunction in February that requires the Eco Motel’s owner to take measures to try and reduce some of the crime, which includes drug sales, drug use and prostitution.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026
Their relationship began in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida to soliciting prostitution from a minor, and continued until at least late 2014, according to the documents.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for prostitution
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ABC News, 12 June 2026
In 2011 — three years after Jeffrey Epstein plead guilty to charges of soliciting prostitution of a minor — Microsoft founder Bill Gates started communicating with him extensively.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 11 June 2026
The judge in the case granted a temporary injunction in February that requires the Eco Motel’s owner to take measures to try and reduce some of the crime, which includes drug sales, drug use and prostitution.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026
Their relationship began in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida to soliciting prostitution from a minor, and continued until at least late 2014, according to the documents.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for prostitution
Cite this Entry
“Prostitution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prostitution. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
