prostitution
noun
pros·ti·tu·tion
ˌprä-stə-ˈtü-shən
-ˈtyü-
1
sometimes offensive; see usage paragraph below
: the act or practice of engaging in sex acts and especially sexual intercourse in exchange for pay : sex work
2
: the state of being involved in or devoted to corrupt or unworthy purposes : debasement
You see, for Michelangelo, painting was only a day job—one he felt was a prostitution of his artistic talent. His passion was sculpture.—Karen Wall Garrison
Usage of Prostitute
The terms sex worker and sex work are now preferred to prostitute and prostitution, which are increasingly rejected as offensive. Additionally, prostitute and prostitution are avoided in contexts relating to victimization especially of children because the words there are seen as an egregious mischaracterization of exploitation.
Cite this Entry
“Prostitution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prostitution. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
