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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 notes

In plain EnglishA person who deals in illegal goods, historically alcohol during Prohibition.

Common pairings
a Prohibition-era bootlegger a notorious bootlegger

Word forms

bootleggers plural

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Fill the gap

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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.

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.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial