gangbanger

noun

gang·​bang·​er ˈgaŋ-ˌbaŋ-ər How to pronounce gangbanger (audio)
: a member of a street gang

Example Sentences

the argument that the DEA needs to focus more on the kingpins of the drug trade and less on the gangbangers in the street
Recent Examples on the Web Puppet is probably the mark of the gangbanger who drew the X8. Adam Hadhazy, Discover Magazine, 26 Sep. 2012 The trajectory from gangbanger in South San Gabriel to city poet laureate and bestselling author would have been dramatic enough. Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2022 Despite making up 18% of the U.S. population, the usual stereotypes of the gangbanger, the day laborer, the janitor, the maid, and the exotic Latina continue to be seen on the big screen. AZCentral.com, 15 Sep. 2021 The gangbanger label will follow a person for life. Jacqueline Serrato, chicagotribune.com, 13 Apr. 2018 His mother has told him to avoid the side streets where the gangbangers hang out. Mary Schmich, chicagotribune.com, 5 May 2018 When his father died suddenly, Hernandez was distraught and started hanging with gangbangers and druggies. Don Oldenburg, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2018 There are crooked cops, and feds, and gangbangers, and an orc mafia. Jordan Hoffman, HWD, 20 Dec. 2017 Here’s another gun-packing gangbanger who lives la vida loca and then reaps its bloody rewards. Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2017 See More

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

Word History

Etymology

gangbang + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gangbanger was in 1969

Dictionary Entries Near gangbanger

Cite this Entry

“Gangbanger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gangbanger. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

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