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

His early films made little impression until his gangster era and detective films got him noticed.

From Salon

Now a Peaky Blinders film is coming to Netflix, with Oscar winner Murphy set to step back into his role as everyone's favourite Brummie gangster.

From BBC

But if the leap from gangster to gladhander wasn’t part of a master plan, it’s not a far stretch.

From Los Angeles Times

"He wasn't your typical British gangster he was more like a playboy, he looked like a rockstar."

From BBC

It includes a plotline in which the British Security Services want to retrieve some compromising photographs of Princess Margaret, allegedly held in a security box by Trinidadian militant gangster Michael X.

From BBC

Related Words

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