One who works in the sex industry. Some people use sex worker to avoid invoking the stigma of prostitute. Sex worker is often considered a synonym or euphemism for prostitute, but it is more general. The term applies to everyone in the sex industry who either provides direct sexual services or is a staff member. Some sex workers (such as prostitutes and escorts) are paid to engage in sex acts that involve physical contact of varying degrees with clients. Pornography models and actors engage in sex acts that are digitally recorded, filmed, or photographed. Phone sex operators have sexually oriented conversations with clients and engage in sexual roleplaying over the telephone. Other sex workers engage in live sexual performances (such as web cam sex, sex shows, erotic dances, striptease, lap dancing, pole dancing, etc.).

SEE: prostitution; sex industry.