bribery

noun

brib·​ery ˈbrī-b(ə-)rē 

plural briberies

: the act or practice of giving or taking a bribe

Examples of bribery in a Sentence

They were arrested on charges of bribery.

Recent Examples on the Web

Earlier this year, the Securities and Exchange Commission settled its civil case over bribery charges against Adani and his nephew, Sagar Adani, directing the two to pay a total of $18 million in fines. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026

And there are still lingering questions about whether Abarca’s bribery allegations are connected — either tangentially or directly — to the case involving LeVota. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026

Washington has built on these advantages over decades, applying antitrust law to foreign firms, prohibiting bribery abroad, and using sanctions and export controls to shape the behavior of overseas actors. — Mark Jia, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026

In the months before the action of the show, Eun-sae had been investigating a case of bribery and murder involving crime boss and company chairman Baek Sang-gil (Heo Sung-tae) and the Seoul mayor. — Kayti Burt, Time, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1560, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

bribery

noun

brib·​ery ˈbrī-b(ə-)rē 

plural briberies

: the act or practice of bribing

Legal Definition

bribery

noun

brib·​ery

plural briberies

: the crime of giving or taking a bribe