trafficking
Americannoun
-
the practice of dealing or trading in a commodity or service, often an illegal one.
drug trafficking.
Etymology
Origin of trafficking
First recorded in 1530–40; traffic ( def. ) + -ing 1 ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Under Chaves, the Central American nation joined US President Donald Trump's "Shield of the Americas" alliance, which aims to combat drug trafficking in Latin America.
From Barron's • May 5, 2026
Andrew Tate, a popular influencer is facing rape and trafficking charges in the United Kingdom and Romania, claims to have converted to Islam in 2022.
From Salon • May 4, 2026
On the campaign trail, she has touted her work on public safety, public services and public integrity — and her campaign to end sex trafficking in South Los Angeles.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026
Interpol says increased global migration and human trafficking has led to more people being reported missing outside of their countries, which can make identifying bodies more challenging.
From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026
In light of new evidence, Matthias Benedik Helvar is granted full and immediate pardon for all charges of slave trafficking.
From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
