Mafia

noun

Ma·​fia ˈmä-fē-ə 

ˈma-

1

a

: a secret criminal society of Sicily or Italy

b

: a similarly conceived criminal organization in the U.S.

also : a similar organization elsewhere

the Japanese Mafia

c

: a criminal organization associated with a particular traffic

the cocaine Mafia

2

often not capitalized : a group of people likened to the Mafia

especially : a group of people of similar interests or backgrounds prominent in a particular field or enterprise : clique

Synonyms

• gang
• syndicate
• conspiracy
• mob
• clan
• network

Examples of Mafia in a Sentence

a member of the Mafia

He's an important figure in the television mafia.

Recent Examples on the Web

Seven people were indicted in connection to the ‘largest jewelry heist in U.S. history.’ 19 people were charged in an alleged Mexican Mafia conspiracy to kill L.A. rap artist. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2025

After coming up short en route to the big game, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship last season, the signal-caller is candid about his mindset — and what needs to happen for the team and their beloved Bills Mafia to get to the next level. —Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 18 June 2025

Elevating a simple concept — party game Mafia but with reality stars — he’s also helped make the competition a surprise breakout for Peacock. —Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025

The number represents the 13th letter of the alphabet, M, in homage to the Mexican Mafia, the powerful Southern California prison gang. —T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Mafia, Maffia, a Sicilian secret criminal society, from Italian dialect (Sicily), probably from mafiusu

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing Mafia

• the Mafia

Kids Definition

Mafia

noun

Ma·​fia ˈmäf-ē-ə 

ˈmaf-

1

: a secret criminal society of Sicily or Italy

2

: a similar criminal organization in the U.S. or elsewhere

Geographical Definition

Mafia

geographical name

Ma·​fia ˈmä-fē-ə 

ˈma-

island of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean south of Zanzibar area 170 square miles (442 square kilometers), population 16,748