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

“Have gangsters taken hold of the place? Your policemen are so tough they can lift a bull by the horns. Surely they can restore order if there are any gangsters around.”

Read more on Literature

Australia's most famous gangster won a reduced jail sentence Thursday on one of his drug-related convictions, after it was revealed his lawyer was a police informant.

Read more on Barron's

She said she was forced to do so by gangsters who tortured her with a hot iron.

Read more on BBC

The pair's Argentine Tango will feature a "gangster fight scene", and in a Strictly first, Carney will take the lead role.

Read more on BBC

These brilliant episodes describe gangster murders, war injuries, firing squads, hangings and bullfight triumphs and deaths.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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