Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

human trafficking

American  

noun

  1. the illegal practice of procuring or trading in human beings for the purpose of prostitution, forced labor, or other forms of exploitation.

Etymology

Origin of human trafficking

First recorded in 1985–90

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.

Human trafficking was rampant in the Black Sea region between 1200 and 1500.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

Human trafficking charges against Scottish transport tycoon Dame Ann Gloag have been dropped, the Crown Office has said.

From BBC • Oct. 9, 2024

Human trafficking, according to U.S. law, must include exploitation resulting in some kind of material gain.

From Salon • Sep. 21, 2022

“Y’all, this Wayfair Human trafficking thing is crazy,” she’d typed.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 16, 2021

Human trafficking cannot be addressed by prosecuting victims in a criminal court.

From New York Times • Feb. 1, 2014

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.