Mafia

play

noun Ma·fia \ ˈmä-fē-ə , ˈma- \

Definition of Mafia

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

See Mafia defined for English-language learners

See Mafia defined for kids

Examples of mafia in a Sentence

a member of the Mafia
He's an important figure in the television mafia.

Origin and Etymology of mafia

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1866

See Words from the same year

mafia Synonyms

Synonyms

cabal, conspiracy, crew, gang, ¹ring, mob, syndicate

Related Words

bunch, circle, clan, clique, coterie, coven, crowd, galère, lot, network, pack, set; junta, oligarchy

Mafia

play

geographical name Ma·fia \ ˈmä-fē-ə , ˈma- \

Definition of Mafia

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

See Mafia defined for kids

Examples of mafia in a Sentence

a member of the Mafia
He's an important figure in the television mafia.

MAFIA Defined for English Language Learners

Mafia

play

noun

Definition of Mafia for English Language Learners

the Mafia : a secret criminal organization in Italy
: a similar criminal organization in the U.S.
: a group of closely connected people who have great power or influence in a particular field or business

Mafia

play

noun

Definition of Mafia for English Language Learners

the Mafia : a secret criminal organization in Italy
: a similar criminal organization in the U.S.
: a group of closely connected people who have great power or influence in a particular field or business