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 mafia : 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 of Mafia

• 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

In addition to the Starz series Black Mafia Family (BMF), Da’Vinchi also starred in the CW’s All-American. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 23 July 2026

Two members of an Orange County street gang were found guilty of murdering a man while attempting to carry out an armed robbery under the direction of the Mexican Mafia, authorities said. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

Other lower-level gang members with Mexican Mafia ties already have been convicted as part of the larger, ongoing racketeering case, including three men found guilty of a 2017 killing in Orange. — Sean Emery, Oc Register, 22 July 2026

This is about taking one of the final wholesome places left for families — the Pickles are holding a Fart Night this Friday night — and turning it into a LIB stunt factory where kids are subjected to the Alphabet Mafia's whims. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2026

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

Rhymes for Mafia

• coffea

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