cybercrime
Americannoun
noun
-
the illegal use of computers and the internet
-
crime committed by means of computers or the internet
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of cybercrime
Explanation
Cybercrime is illegal activity that involves a computer network. Computer hacking and using the Internet to steal credit card numbers are both kinds of cybercrime. When criminals use a computer that's connected to the Internet to commit a crime, it's considered cybercrime. If you have your identity stolen after entering information on a website you think is secure, you're a victim of cybercrime. Malware or computer viruses are another type of cybercrime. The word itself uses the prefix cyber-, which since the early 1990s has been used in many words to signify a connection to the Internet or electronics.
Vocabulary lists containing cybercrime
Computer Science and Technology - Introductory
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Computer Science and Technology - Middle School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Computer Science and Technology - High School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Last year, the FBI received more than 12,000 real estate fraud complaints — a three-year high — to its Internet Crime Complaint Center, according to its latest report on cybercrime.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 31, 2026
One city cybercrime investigation uncovered nearly $160,000 in financial transactions related to exam fraud undertaken over Telegram channels, the agency said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 20, 2026
Beasley says that threats of violence linked to cybercrime will likely only continue to rise "because people keep paying" as a result of it.
From BBC ● May 10, 2026
Christine Ji explained how Anthropic’s Mythos AI model underscores the threat of a new wave of cybercrime.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 24, 2026
Global cybercrime is forecast to increase 15% this year, potentially reaching $12.5 trillion in losses..
From Barron's ● Apr. 10, 2026
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.
