Prostitution
![](/Images/godic/202501/17/Toulouse-Lautrec_Prostitutes_DMA2009.jpg")
![The Procuress by Dirck van Baburen (1622)](/Images/godic/202501/17/The_Procuress2009.jpg")
![Customer and a prostitute illustrated in the doggie position on an ancient Greek wine cup; an act of prostitution is indicated by the coin purse above the figures](/Images/godic/202501/17/Griechen312009.png")
![Fresco from the Pompeii brothel, showing the woman in the cowgirl position](/Images/godic/202501/17/Pompeii-wall_painting2010.jpg")
Prostitution is the business or practice of engaging in sexual relations in exchange for payment or some other benefit. Prostitution is sometimes described as commercial sex or hooking. Depending on the jurisdiction, prostitution can be legal or illegal.