plural mobs
1
: a large group or crowd of people who are angry or violent or difficult to control
The angry mob smashed store windows and attacked people on the streets.
The police had to be called in to handle/disperse the growing/gathering mob.
violent mobs
2
informal
: a large number of people
—usually + of
On our walk, we were passed by a mob of bicycle riders.
—often pluralMobs of teenagers filled the room.
The team was greeted by mobs of excited fans.
3
or the Mob informal
: a secret organized group of criminals
The Mob [=the Mafia] controlled most businesses in the city.
He was jailed for his dealings with the Mob.
—often used as mob before another nounTheir family had mob [=Mafia] connections.
a mob boss [=someone who controls part of an organized criminal group]
4
old-fashioned
: the people of a society who are poor and uneducated
politicians trying to keep the mob happy
Note: This use of the mob is now usually considered insulting.
mobs; mobbed; mobbing
1
of a group of people
: to move close to (someone) in an excited way : to crowd around (someone) in an aggressive, excited, or annoying way
The actor's fans mobbed him wherever he went.
—often used as (be) mobbedThe actor was mobbed by fans wherever he went.
I walked into the room and was immediately mobbed by small children.
2
: to come together in (a place) with many other people
Shoppers mobbed the stores during the holidays.
—often used as (be) mobbedThe stores were mobbed by/with customers.
Cite this Entry
“Mob.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/mob. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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