Cosa Nostra

[ koh-zuh nohs-truh ]

noun

1. a secret association engaged in organized crime in the U.S., modeled after and affiliated with the Mafia.

Cosa Nostra

/ ˈkəʊsə ˈnɒstrə /

noun

1. the branch of the Mafia that operates in the US

Word History and Origins

Origin of Cosa Nostra¹

1960–65; < Italian: literally, our affair

Word History and Origins

Origin of Cosa Nostra¹

Italian, literally: our thing

Example Sentences

He had persuaded the F.B.I. to stop using the terms Mafia and Cosa Nostra in its news releases.

From New York Times

The 'Ndrangheta is considered by prosecutors to be Italy's most powerful mafia group, easily eclipsing the more famous Cosa Nostra gang in Sicily, with its influence extending across Europe and beyond.

From Reuters

The probe revealed "the solidity of the existing relationship" between New York and Sicilian mobsters, and "American interest in the organisational affairs of the Sicilian Cosa Nostra", the statement said.

From Reuters

The nascent Cosa Nostra movement is part of the story, as it begins to develop and spread throughout Italy.

From New York Times

Prosecutors had hoped in vain he would collaborate with them and reveal Cosa Nostra secrets.

From Seattle Times