prostitution

[ pros-ti-too-shuhn, -tyoo- ]
See synonyms for prostitution on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. the act or practice of engaging in sex acts, as sexual intercourse, for money.

  2. base or unworthy use, as of talent or ability.

Origin of prostitution

1
First recorded in 1545–55; from Late Latin prōstitūtiōn- (stem of prōstitūtiō ); see prostitute, -ion

Other words from prostitution

  • an·ti·pros·ti·tu·tion, adjective, noun

Words Nearby prostitution

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use prostitution in a sentence

  • prostitution exists wherever a woman makes the selling of her charms a trade.

    Woman and Socialism | August Bebel
  • Paul Kampffmeyer—prostitution as a social class phenomenon and the social and political struggle against it.

    Woman and Socialism | August Bebel
  • prostitution disappears and monogamy, instead of going out of existence, at last becomes a reality—for men also.

  • prostitution is not an easy or agreeable subject to treat; it will be disposed of, therefore, in the fewest words possible.

  • prostitution is generally the direct result of the disgrace put upon a woman by loss of virtue.