# pimping

/ˈpɪmpɪŋ/ (US) · /pˈɪmpɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pimping
Updated: 2026-10-17

## Definition

to make money by controlling sex workers and finding customers for them. In casual slang, you also use it to mean making something look big, bright and flashy.

For teachers: to procure customers for sex workers and live off their earnings. In extended informal use, to decorate or customize something in a flashy, showy style.

## Examples

- He is pimping his old car with bright lights.
- The police arrested him for pimping young women across three cities.
- The novel portrays a man pimping on street corners by night while pimping his battered car by day with chrome and neon.

## Usage notes

- Takes a direct object in both senses; often appears as 'pimp out' when meaning to decorate or exploit.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.