pyramid scheme

[ pir-uh-mid skeem ]

/ ˈpɪr ə mɪd ˌskim /

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noun

any moneymaking scheme, usually illicit, in which each participating investor recruits others and then collects from what those invest, so that an ever-increasing number of participants generate more and more profit for those who recruited them:She invited me to talk about a new "business opportunity," and ended up trying aggressively to hook me into a pyramid scheme.

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Origin of pyramid scheme

First recorded in 1945–50

Words nearby pyramid scheme

pyramidical, pyramidion, pyramid letter, Pyramid Peak, pyramids, pyramid scheme, pyramid selling, Pyramus and Thisbe, pyran, pyranometer, pyranose

How to use pyramid scheme in a sentence

Fluoride first entered an American water supply through a rather inelegant technocratic scheme.
Anti-Fluoriders Are The OG Anti-Vaxxers|Michael Schulson|July 27, 2016|DAILY BEAST
In this cockamamie get-rich scheme, would they all issue an apology if he cut a check?
Phylicia Rashad and the Cult of Cosby Truthers|Stereo Williams|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The scheme has been condemned by civil liberties groups and queried by the National Association of Head Teachers.
Britain May Spy on Preschoolers Searching for Potential Jihadis|Nico Hines|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
South Korean police busted up one such scheme in 2011, which was said to have netted millions.
Inside the ‘Surprisingly Great’ North Korean Hacker Hotel|Michael Daly|December 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Retailers were hammered by the scheme because checks and balances were scant in 2012, when the eBay grifting peaked.
The Insane $11 Billion Scam at Retailers’ Return Desks|M.L. Nestel|December 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
To see a part of my scheme, from which I had hoped so much, go wrong before my eyes is maddening!
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton
The Duke found no difficulty in awakening the wishes, which were necessary to his scheme, in the mind of young Lorraine.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
But I feel sanguine in the spirit of the men; sanguine in my own spirit; sanguine in the soundness of my scheme.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton
Even if this colour scheme will not work, there is still a justification for the Asquithian phrase.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 107, November 3, 1894|Various
The operations under the scheme began in August, 1878, when the houses in New Street were pulled down.
Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham|Thomas T. Harman and Walter Showell