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

Combs is currently serving a 50-month prison sentence after he was convicted last summer of transportation to engage in prostitution charges. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2026

The former prince, who had a longtime friendship with Epstein and maintained contact with him after his 2008 conviction of procuring a child for prostitution, has previously apologized and denied any wrongdoing. — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026

York was initially charged with engaging in prostitution, but prosecutors amended that to disorderly conduct. — ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

York was arrested after responding to an online prostitution by the Miami Valley Human Trafficking Task Force, which confiscated his cellphone and $160 in cash. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 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