prostitution
Americannoun
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the act or practice of engaging in sex acts, as sexual intercourse, for money.
-
base or unworthy use, as of talent or ability.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of prostitution
First recorded in 1545–55; from Late Latin prōstitūtiōn- (stem of prōstitūtiō ); see prostitute, -ion
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.
In New York, two opposing bills—one decriminalizing prostitution, which was supported by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani when he was still an assemblymember, and the other enacting the Nordic model—are still under consideration.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 21, 2026
Madrid hosted two demonstrations in the centre of the Spanish capital -- one for transgender rights and the other for the legalisation and regulation of prostitution.
From Barron's ● Mar. 8, 2026
He had saved three girls from prostitution by throwing bags of gold through their window late at night—a legend that is the origin of his role as a gift giver to children.
From Slate ● Dec. 15, 2024
Some states have implemented laws - called "affirmative defence" provisions - that protect victims from some charges including prostitution or theft, if those actions were the result of being trafficked.
From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2024
Articles in the paper covered feminism, suffrage, sex education, legalized prostitution, vegetarianism, women in the military, and spiritualism.
From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling
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.
