gangster

[gang-ster]

noun

1. a member of a gang of criminals, especially a racketeer in an organized crime syndicate.

   Synonyms: goon, hood, thug, crook, hoodlum, mobster

gangster

/ ˈɡæŋstə /

noun

1. a member of an organized gang of criminals, esp one who resorts to violence

Word History and Origins

Origin of gangster¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; gang ¹ + -ster

Example Sentences

Some dialogue might have been lifted whole from a 1930s gangster film.

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It all begins in Depression-era Milwaukee as a righteously funny gangster novel.

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But these don't seem to be hooded gangsters armed with weapons.

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One of the tout accounts used the name Tony Montana - the lead character in '80s gangster film Scarface - to try and bulk purchase tickets.

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“You see all these gangster movies where the bad guys have different nationalities,” Kotsur said.

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Related Words

• bandit 
• criminal 
• crook 
• hoodlum 
• hooligan 
• mobster 
• racketeer 
• robber 
• soldier 
• thug