rapist

noun

rap·​ist ˈrā-pist How to pronounce rapist (audio)
plural rapists
: a person who rapes someone : a person who commits rape
a convicted rapist

Examples of rapist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Investigators would need a more complete profile of the rapist's DNA. July 13, CBS News, 13 July 2025 The fact that everyone acknowledges that William is a rapist but no one seems shaken by it sends Jess over the edge. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 July 2025 Nearly 35 years later, McVey sat in the front row at her rapist's execution, per The Washington Post. Christina Coulter, People.com, 20 July 2025 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit continued on — Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson was busting rapists. John J. Lennon, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for rapist

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rapist was in 1867

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rapist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapist. Accessed 10 Aug. 2025.

Medical Definition

rapist

noun
rap·​ist ˈrā-pəst How to pronounce rapist (audio)
: an individual who commits rape

More from Merriam-Webster on rapist

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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