noun
prostitute
PROS-tih-tyoot
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."
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.
Word Forms
more prostitute comparative, prostituted past tense, prostitutes plural, prostitutes singular, most prostitute superlative
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Etymology
From Latin prōstitūtus, past participle of prōstituō, literally "to set up publicly for sale" — from prō ("before, forth") plus statuō ("to set up.")