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Synonyms

trafficking

American  
[traf-i-king] / ˈtræf ɪ kɪŋ /

noun

  1. the practice of dealing or trading in a commodity or service, often an illegal one.

    drug trafficking.

  2. human trafficking.

  3. sex 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.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro was quoted last year as calling the mercenaries "spectres of death" and describing their recruitment as a "form of human trafficking".

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

He has engaged in countless bilateral forums, work groups and discussions about immigration, drug trafficking, cross-border commerce and other concerns, and generally received good marks from U.S. officials.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Officials branded these visits as “wellness checks,” ostensibly aimed at ensuring that the children in question did not fall victim to human trafficking and were keeping up with their obligations for their immigration cases.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

"In the future, it will be possible to talk with a government that is truly committed to combating crime and drug trafficking," Noboa said.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 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.