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sex offender

American  
[seks uh-fen-der] / ˈsɛks əˈfɛn dər /
Sometimes sexual offender

noun

  1. a person who has been found guilty of one or more sex crimes.


Etymology

Origin of sex offender

First recorded in 1910–15

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.

See Examples For:

Readings include a former president’s lecture about gender at Harvard, as well as the school’s own reports on its legacy of slavery and the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s connections to the university.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 23, 2026

Senate nominee, Michael Whatley, for his ties to Harvey West Jr., a GOP donor and convicted sex offender whom Whatley repeatedly elevated to top posts within the state Republican Party.

From Salon ● Sep. 21, 2026

A modelling scout linked to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has been found dead at his home.

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

The Gates Foundation has retained law firm WilmerHale to review its ties to the late sex offender, and its findings are expected this summer.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026

If convicted, he faces 32 years to life in state prison and would also be required to register as a sex offender for life.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 4, 2026

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