gang

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.

“Gang” is pronounced GANG (/ˈɡeɪ̯ŋ/ in IPA).

Here is “gang” used in a sentence: “Police say the graffiti was left by a local gang marking its territory.”

Depending on how it is used, “gang” can be a noun and a verb.

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.

“Gang” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“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.

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.

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.

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.