felony

noun fel·o·ny \ ˈfe-lə-nē \

Updated on: 10 Apr 2018

Definition of felony

plural felonies

1 : an act on the part of a feudal vassal (see vassal 1) involving the forfeiture of his fee

2 a : a grave crime formerly differing from a misdemeanor (see misdemeanor 1) under English common law by involving forfeiture in addition to any other punishment

b : a grave crime (such as murder or rape) declared to be a felony by the common law or by statute regardless of the punishment actually imposed

c : a crime declared a felony by statute because of the punishment imposed

d : a crime for which the punishment in federal law may be death or imprisonment for more than one year

See felony defined for English-language learners

See felony defined for kids

Examples of felony in a Sentence

The crime is considered a felony under state law.
He was convicted of felony murder.

Recent Examples of felony from the Web

The credit card scheme, however, led to felony charges and raised serious questions about Scarlett’s character.

— edgar thompson, OrlandoSentinel.com, "UF tailback Jordan Scarlett returns from suspension determined to prove himself," 7 Apr. 2018
McGregor faces two felony charges of criminal mischief for the incursion.

— michael mccann, SI.com, "Conor McGregor Faces 12 Criminal Charges Following UFC 223 Media Day Altercation," 6 Apr. 2018
Pate was convicted in federal court in Texas in 2016 on felony charges of wire fraud and mail fraud.

— tim evans, Indianapolis Star, "Ex-Subway pitchman Jared Fogle suing federal authorities for $57 million," 6 Apr. 2018
Another indictment, on a felony murder charge, carries a maximum possible sentence of life in prison, the prosecutor said.

— clifford ward, chicagotribune.com, "Lombard woman accused of strangling mom could face life in prison if convicted," 6 Apr. 2018
An Amtrak passenger accused of bringing 52 pounds of marijuana from California to Naperville faces felony charges, Naperville police said Thursday.

— rafael guerrero, Naperville Sun, "California man brought 52 pounds of marijuana to Naperville on Amtrak train: police," 5 Apr. 2018
Henry faces second-degree murder, aggravated battery and aggravated child endangerment, all felony charges included in an indictment that was unsealed last week.

— steve vockrodt, kansascity, "Jeff Henry's lawyer: 'There isn't a day where he doesn't think of Caleb Schwab' | The Kansas City Star," 5 Apr. 2018
Prompted in part by Colvin's death, Alabama lawmakers passed a bill this year that allows felony charges against owners of dogs that seriously injure or kill someone, AL.com reported.

— hanna krueger, NOLA.com, "Bubbles the Camel is home after a stroll through Livingston Parish: report," 4 Apr. 2018
Police are investigating her for a felony charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

— josh magness, miamiherald, "Former teacher invited teens to her house — and they smoked weed, Colorado police say | Miami Herald," 4 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'felony.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

In US law, a felony is typically defined as a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one year or by the death penalty. Misdemeanors, in contrast, are often defined as offenses punishable only by fines or by short terms of imprisonment in local jails. Originally, in English law, a felony was a crime for which the perpetrator would suffer forfeiture of all real and personal property as well as whatever sentence was imposed. Under US law, there is no forfeiture of all of the felon’s property, and it is not part of the definition. For certain crimes, however, such as some kinds of racketeering, specific property is subject to forfeiture.

Origin and Etymology of felony

see ¹felon

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

FELONY Defined for English Language Learners

felony

noun

Definition of felony for English Language Learners

law : a serious crime (such as murder or rape)

FELONY Defined for Kids

felony

noun fel·o·ny \ ˈfe-lə-nē \

Definition of felony for Students

plural felonies

: a very serious crime

Law Dictionary

felony

noun fel·o·ny \ ˈfe-lə-nē \

legal Definition of felony

plural felonies

: a crime that has a greater punishment imposed by statute than that imposed on a misdemeanor; specifically : a federal crime for which the punishment may be death or imprisonment for more than a year — see also attainder, treason

Note: Originally in English law a felony was a crime for which the perpetrator would suffer forfeiture of all real and personal property as well as whatever sentence was imposed. Under U.S. law, there is no forfeiture of all of the felon's property (real or personal) and such forfeiture is not part of the definition of a felony. For certain crimes, however (as for a conviction under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act or a narcotics law), specific property, such as that used in or gained by the crime, is subject to forfeiture. Every state has its own statutory definition of a felony. Most are in line with the federal definition of a felony as a crime which carries a sentence of imprisonment for more than one year or the death penalty (where applicable). Other states, like Louisiana, define a felony as a crime which carries a sentence of death or imprisonment at hard labor.