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

In Sunday’s finale of “The Penguin,” Colin Farrell’s Oz Cobb, the gangster who gets called the title moniker, finally wins his power play over Sofia.

From Los Angeles Times

Recently he seemed to suggest that the Jazz Age gangster Al Capone was still alive.

From Slate

Young Quincy wanted to be a gangster too.

From BBC

He invokes gangster Al Capone and speaks fondly of authoritarians including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who Trump called “a friend of mine.”

From Los Angeles Times

Trump was that gangster on the block that ran the show.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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