procurer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Technical / Legal
Quick answer
What does “procurer” mean?
A person who obtains or arranges for something, especially one who obtains sexual partners for others.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who obtains or arranges for something, especially one who obtains sexual partners for others.
A person whose job is to source or acquire goods, services, or people, often in a formal or official capacity; historically, an official responsible for purchasing supplies for an institution.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or definition differences. In legal contexts, both jurisdictions use 'procurer' similarly.
Connotations
Equally strong association with criminal procurement of prostitutes in both dialects. The neutral business sense ('procurement officer') is more common in American corporate jargon.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in both dialects, primarily encountered in legal texts, historical documents, or discussions of sex work.
Grammar
How to Use “procurer” in a Sentence
procurer of [something/someone]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “procurer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was accused of attempting to procure confidential documents for a foreign power.
American English
- The company hired a firm to procure rare earth metals for the new battery plant.
adverb
British English
- (No common adverb form)
American English
- (No common adverb form)
adjective
British English
- The procuratorial duties were handled by a separate office. (Note: from 'procurator', not 'procurer')
American English
- (No common adjective form directly from 'procurer'; 'procurement' is used adjectivally: procurement process)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used in modern business; 'procurement specialist' or 'buyer' is preferred to avoid negative connotations.
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or legal studies discussing sex work, trade, or medieval office-holders.
Everyday
Almost never used in casual conversation due to its specific and often criminal association.
Technical
A legal term in statutes related to prostitution and human trafficking.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “procurer”
- Confusing it with 'prosecutor'. Using it in a modern, neutral business context where 'buyer' or 'procurement manager' would be clearer and less loaded.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Extremely rarely. Due to its strong association with illegal activities, modern businesses use terms like 'Procurement Manager', 'Buyer', or 'Sourcing Specialist' instead.
In modern legal and colloquial usage, they are largely synonymous when referring to sex work. 'Pimp' is more colloquial and graphic, while 'procurer' is the formal legal term found in statutes.
Yes, historically and technically it can refer to someone who obtains any goods or services. However, this usage is now archaic or highly specialized, and the word's dominant meaning makes it risky to use in this way.
The verb is 'to procure'. It is more commonly used and has a wider range of meanings, from the neutral 'to obtain' (e.g., procure funding) to the criminal 'to procure prostitutes'.
A person who obtains or arranges for something, especially one who obtains sexual partners for others.
Procurer is usually formal / technical / legal in register.
Procurer: in British English it is pronounced /prəˈkjʊərə/, and in American English it is pronounced /proʊˈkjʊrər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated with the noun 'procurer'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A procurer PRO-CURES (sorts out/obtains) something for someone, but often illegally.
Conceptual Metaphor
OBTAINING IS A TRANSACTION (often a shady one).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST COMMON modern connotation of 'procurer'?