Prostitute – Someone who exacts personal gain in exchange for his or her abilities, talent, or name for an unworthy purpose.
God used this word once in Scripture: To Israel in the Masoretic Text Old Testament book of Leviticus 19:29
The personal gain can be either money or barter; the barter can be for tangible objects or intangible objects; they have received something in trade. Sex is not a required element of prostitution, but if sex is an included element, it may constitute another violation as well.
The distinctions between a Harlot, Whore and a Prostitute are minuscule. Each receive personal gain: a harlot simply for the pleasure or convenience; a prostitute for unworthy purpose; a whore compromises their principles. The terms are not synonymous because they have different required elements, therefore a person can be any one, or a combination of some, or all; harlot, whore, prostitute, adulterer, or fornicator. None of which require any overt or covert sexual conduct or behavior.
See also Adultery, Fornication, Harlot, Whore