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

Blain faces felony charges of perjury and bribery, and of destruction or removal of public documents. — Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2026

Parties to a contract have to be confident it will be enforced by a court of law, with no recourse to bribery or political influence. — Tom Campbell, Oc Register, 4 July 2026

Chinese authorities accused him of rape, kidnapping, bribery and other crimes, but Guo said those allegations were false. — CNN Money, 30 June 2026

The former mayor of Mississippi's capital city and the former City Council president have pleaded guilty in a bribery scheme one week before they were set to face trial. — ABC News, 7 July 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