white-collar crime

noun

1. any of various crimes, as embezzlement, fraud, or stealing office equipment, committed by business or professional people while working at their occupations.

Other Word Forms

• white-collar criminal noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of white-collar crime¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

McIver’s prosecution marks a rare occasion where a lawmaker faces charges for something other than a white-collar crime like fraud or bribery.

From Salon

He grew up in the Washington, D.C., area, where his late father worked as an attorney who specialized in white-collar crime and once represented President Nixon.

From Los Angeles Times

Do you think Tim would feel this doomed about his involvement in a white-collar crime in 2025?

From Los Angeles Times

Companies can indemnify executives, even for criminal charges, she said, though this would typically be in cases of white-collar crime such as fraud and not sex trafficking.

From BBC

Due to the amount of money involved, the group could face charges under the aggravated white-collar crime enhancement — a sentencing enhancement that allows a judge to add prison time for white-collar crimes, or nonviolent crimes like fraud or embezzlement.

From Los Angeles Times