human trafficking

American

noun

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.

Van Zeller, 50, has won dozens of awards for the program that has taken her around the world to report on black market activities and human trafficking.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

Modern slavery covers human trafficking, slavery, servitude and forced labour.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

The French authorities have also been investigating a vast alleged human trafficking network reportedly set up by Fayed.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

The NRM was introduced in 2009 as a way to identify potential victims of exploitation, human trafficking and modern slavery.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

But her fight against child marriage and her advocacy to end human trafficking are changing the world.

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023