yakuza

noun

ya·​ku·​za ˈyä-ku̇-ˌzä How to pronounce yakuza (audio)
plural yakuza
1
: a Japanese gangster
2
: an organized crime syndicate in Japan

Examples of yakuza in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Others are new, building on a genuinely fresh and funny revelation that explains not only a cold open involving yakuza gangsters half a world away in Osaka, but also why this quaint town is sitting on a stash of weaponry big enough to overthrow the governments of several small nations. Katie Rife, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2025 That means, Ulysses is up against the entire population — which is a lot less than 1,890 when the film is over — while the yakuza take a 10-hour private jet over to settle the score. Peter Debruge, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025 Based on a 2018 novel by Yoshida Shuichi, the film follows a kabuki performer as he is born into a yakuza family and later adopted by a kabuki actor. Sara Merican, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2025 Advertisement Dong-ju finally takes Ju-yeong down Before Ju-yeong can get onto a boat, he is intercepted by the yakuza. Kayti Burt, Time, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for yakuza

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, ruffian, gangster

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of yakuza was in 1964

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Cite this Entry

“Yakuza.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yakuza. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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