gangland

[gang-land, -luhnd]

noun

1. the world of organized crime; criminal underworld.

gangland

/ ˈɡæŋˌlænd, -lənd /

noun

1. the criminal underworld

Word History and Origins

Origin of gangland¹

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15; gang ¹ + land

Example Sentences

Police Scotland believe all four are linked to criminality, ranging from drug importation to a fresh wave of gangland violence across the central belt.

From BBC

Four of Scotland's most high profile gangland figures have been arrested in Dubai.

From BBC

On the night Los Angeles police claim he carried out an act of gangland vengeance, Oscar Eagle could barely walk.

From Los Angeles Times

A man has been jailed for 34 years over his role as a getaway driver in a gangland shooting that left a nine-year-old girl with a bullet lodged in her brain.

From BBC

A gangland "executioner" who waited four years to take revenge on a prison officer for seizing a phone from his cell has been jailed for a minimum of 45 years for his murder.

From BBC

Related Words

• mob 
• organized crime www.thesaurus.com
• syndicate