forgery

noun

forg·​ery ˈfȯr-jə-rē 

ˈfȯrj-rē

plural forgeries

1

archaic : invention

2

: something forged

3

: an act of forging

especially : the crime of falsely and fraudulently making or altering a document (such as a check)

Synonyms

• hoax
• counterfeit

Examples of forgery in a Sentence

that is a cheap forgery, not an authentic Ming Dynasty vase

Recent Examples on the Web

Womack has been hit with multiple counts, including corrupt organizations, endangering the welfare of care, unlawful use of a computer, identity theft, forgery and theft by unlawful taking. —Essence, 25 July 2025

Womack’s charges include corrupt organizations, endangering the welfare of care, unlawful use of a computer, identity theft, forgery and theft of unlawful taking. —Mike Stunson, Miami Herald, 22 July 2025

McClure was arrested and charged with manslaughter and forgery, officials said. —Paloma Chavez july 14, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025

Paramedic Edward McClure, 54, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and forgery in the December death of Jesus Lopez Barcenas, two days after he was taken into custody. —Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 11 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

forge entry 2 + -ery

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

forgery

noun

forg·​ery ˈfōrj-(ə-)rē 

ˈfȯrj-

plural forgeries

1

: something (as a signature) that has been forged

2

: the crime of falsely making or changing a written paper or signing someone else's name

Legal Definition

forgery

noun

forg·​ery

plural forgeries

1

: the act of falsely making, altering, or imitating (as a document or signature) with intent to defraud

also : the crime of committing such an act

2

: something that is forged