gang
11 synonyms and 0 antonyms for gang, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A group of people, often criminals, who band together and share an identity or purpose.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use gang
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English gangan, "to go or walk" — the sense shifted from simply "a group going somewhere together" to today's meaning of an organized, often criminal, group.
Full origin of gang →Frequently asked questions
What does “gang” mean?
The word “gang” means a group of people, often criminals, who band together and share an identity or purpose. In plain terms, a group bound together by a shared purpose, ranging from criminal organizations to a casual circle of friends.
How do you pronounce “gang”?
“Gang” is pronounced GANG (/ˈɡeɪ̯ŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “gang” in a sentence?
Here is “gang” used in a sentence: “Police say the graffiti was left by a local gang marking its territory.”
What part of speech is “gang”?
Depending on how it is used, “gang” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “gang” come from?
The word “gang” comes from Old English. From Old English gangan, "to go or walk" — the sense shifted from simply "a group going somewhere together" to today's meaning of an organized, often criminal, group.
Is “gang” a common word?
“Gang” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “gang” have?
“Gang” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a group of people, often criminals, who band together and share an identity or purpose.
Is 'gang' always a negative word?
No. It often refers to criminals, like a street gang or a drug gang, and there it carries clear disapproval. But 'gang' can be neutral or even affectionate: a 'gang of friends,' the 'whole gang' at a party, or a railway 'work gang.' Tone and context decide whether it sounds threatening or friendly.
What is the difference between a gang and a club?
A club is usually a formal, organized group with membership, rules, and a legitimate shared interest. A gang is looser and more identity-driven, bound by loyalty and a common purpose rather than paperwork. The word 'gang' also leans toward the criminal or the unofficial, whereas 'club' sounds respectable and above-board.
What are some types of gangs?
The word covers a wide range. Criminal kinds include street gangs, biker gangs, and organized crime rings. But it also names harmless or work-related groups, such as a chain gang of labourers, a road-repair gang, or simply a gang of mates. The shared idea is a tight group acting together.