gangster
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of gangster
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How does gangster compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
A gangster is a member of a criminal gang. Gangsters are sometimes called mobsters. A gang is a criminal organization, and a member of such a group is a gangster. Gangsters work together to commit robberies and break the law in other ways. Many famous movies, such as The Godfather, are about gangsters. This word often refers specifically to members of criminal gangs of the 1920s and 30s, when organized crime frequently involved the smuggling of alcohol.
Vocabulary lists containing gangster
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Gangster flicks are perhaps among the most misunderstood movies out there.
From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026
He commuted the federal life sentence of Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover.
From Salon • May 28, 2025
The person went by the handle OG, slang for Original Gangster, or an old school traditionalist.
From Reuters • Apr. 13, 2023
"Gangster rap has been naturalised into massive culture, and it's not very different, in function, even if it is in style," he said.
From BBC • Feb. 10, 2023
Because Frank hailed from Chicago, the men called him Gangster.
From "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
