noun
bootlegger
BOOT-leh-guh
Bootlegger (noun) means someone who illegally makes, transports, or sells goods, especially alcohol or pirated copies. Example: “The bootlegger ran crates of whiskey across the state line at night.”
noun
1
Someone who illegally makes, transports, or sells goods, especially alcohol or pirated copies.
"The bootlegger ran crates of whiskey across the state line at night."
"He was arrested as a bootlegger for selling counterfeit software."
How to use bootlegger
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA person who deals in illegal goods, historically alcohol during Prohibition.
Common pairings
a Prohibition-era bootlegger
a notorious bootlegger
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Word forms
- Plural
- bootleggers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ ran crates of whiskey across the state line at night.
Etymology
From "bootleg" + "-er" — originally referring to Prohibition-era smugglers who hid liquor bottles in their boots.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for bootlegger
See all rhymes for bootlegger →Frequently asked questions
What does “bootlegger” mean?
The word “bootlegger” means someone who illegally makes, transports, or sells goods, especially alcohol or pirated copies. In plain terms, a person who deals in illegal goods, historically alcohol during Prohibition.
How do you pronounce “bootlegger”?
“Bootlegger” is pronounced BOOT-leh-guh (/ˈbuːtlɛɡə(ɹ)/ in IPA).
How do you use “bootlegger” in a sentence?
Here is “bootlegger” used in a sentence: “The bootlegger ran crates of whiskey across the state line at night.”
What part of speech is “bootlegger”?
“Bootlegger” is a noun.
