gangsta

noun

gang·​sta ˈgaŋ(k)-stə 

often attributive

1

: a member of an inner-city street gang

2

: a performer of gangsta rap

Synonyms of gangsta

• thug
• gangster
• criminal
• villain

Examples of gangsta in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In his book, Keffe D acknowledged speaking to police and breaking the gangsta’s code in the process. — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026

And unlike other gangsta rappers, there was a moral quandary at the heart of his storytelling. — Jabari M. Evans, The Conversation, 24 June 2026

Theis, who has ink all over his body—the whites of his eyes are tattooed blue—is used to being pigeonholed as gangsta. — Oriana Van Praag, New Yorker, 28 May 2025

In fact, all forms of Persian rap — from street rap and gangsta to philosophical and social hip-hop — were used in the service of protest, with many works accompanied by heavy beats, dark atmospheres, and harsh narrative styles. — Ali Farahmand, IndieWire, 23 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

respelling of gangster reflecting loss of final r

First Known Use

1988, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing gangsta

• gangsta rap