Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

underboss

American  
[uhn-der-baws, -bos] / ˈʌn dərˌbɔs, -ˌbɒs /

noun

  1. a lesser or minor boss, often the second in command, as in an underworld hierarchy.


Etymology

Origin of underboss

First recorded in 1970–75; under- + boss 1


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.

See Examples For:

Many prosecutions have relied on high-level associates — think mafia underboss Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano or, in Trump’s case, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows — turning on their former bosses.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 20, 2023

But the memories of his days in the Mafia now continue with his latest endeavor: The underboss has started a podcast.

From Fox News ● Dec. 19, 2020

That “kid” would rise by 2014 to become the family’s underboss, under the leader at the time, Domenico Cefalu, and a year later, would become the acting boss when Mr. Cefalu stepped down.

From New York Times ● Mar. 14, 2019

She was the lead prosecutor in a successful 1987 case against underboss Ilario M.A.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 25, 2018

Prior to being disbarred, Stewart had been known for representing controversial defendants, including one-time crime underboss Salvatore "Sammy the Bull" Gravano.

From Reuters ● Dec. 31, 2013

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember new words for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com