forgery

noun

forg·​ery ˈfȯr-jə-rē 

ˈfȯrj-rē

plural forgeries

1

: something forged

2

: an act of forging

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

3

archaic : invention

Synonyms of forgery

• hoax
• counterfeit

Examples of forgery in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Over centuries, the fascination with relics has of course led to abuses, with thefts, forgeries and now online sales all part of their history. —Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026

Superior Court Judge Michael Gustafson sentenced Michael Larson, 41, to 12 years in prison, suspended after 4 ½, after his guilty plea earlier to charges of evading responsibility and forgery. —Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 20 Feb. 2026

Korac has 14 prior arrests, with charges including identify theft, forgery, unlawful imprisonment and burglary, cops said. —Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026

New details emerged Monday about last week’s arrest of a Broward Sheriff’s Office reserve deputy who has been charged with official misconduct, forgery, scheme to defraud and grand theft. —Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

forge entry 2 + -ery

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 3

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