noun
Uncommon
prostitute
PROS-tih-tyoot
Prostitute (noun) means a person who has sex with others in exchange for money.
noun
1
A person who has sex with others in exchange for money.
"The film follows a former prostitute trying to rebuild her life."
verb
1
To sell (oneself or one's talents) for money in a way seen as demeaning.
"Critics accused the writer of prostituting his talent for a quick paycheck."
"He refused to prostitute his principles just to win the contract."
"She felt she was prostituting her gift for music by writing advertising jingles."
How to use prostitute
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAs a noun, someone who sells sex for money; as a verb, to sell out something valuable (talent, principles) purely for gain.
Common mistake
"Sex worker" is now the more common and less loaded term in everyday and professional contexts; "prostitute" can sound clinical or judgmental.
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Word forms
- Plural
- prostitutes
- Third person singular
- prostitutes
- Past tense
- prostituted
- Comparative
- more prostitute
- Superlative
- most prostitute
Etymology
From Latin prōstitūtus, past participle of prōstituō, literally "to set up publicly for sale" — from prō ("before, forth") plus statuō ("to set up.")
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for prostitute
See all rhymes for prostitute →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of prostitute?
"prostitute" (noun) means a person who has sex with others in exchange for money.
What is another word for prostitute?
Other words for "prostitute" include abandons, alley cat, almah, bangtail, Bankside lady, bat.
What is the opposite of prostitute?
Opposites of "prostitute" include convertite, Magdalene, Magdalen, nonprostitute.
What are the different meanings of prostitute?
"prostitute" has 2 main meanings: 1. A person who has sex with others in exchange for money; 2. To sell (oneself or one's talents) for money in a way seen as demeaning.
