Dictionary

hoodlum

noun hood·lum \ˈhüd-ləm, ˈhu̇d-\

: a tough and violent criminal

Full Definition of HOODLUM

: thug; especially : a violent criminal

: a young ruffian

— hood·lum·ish \-lə-mish\ adjective

— hood·lum·ism \-ˌmi-zəm\ noun

See hoodlum defined for English-language learners

See hoodlum defined for kids

perhaps from German dialect (Swabia) hudelum disorderly

First Known Use: 1871

Synonyms: bully, gangbanger, gangsta, gangster, goon, gorilla, hood, hooligan, mobster, mug, plug-ugly, punk, roughneck, rowdy, ruffian, thug, tough, toughie (also toughy), yob [British], yobbo [British]

HOODLUM Defined for Kids

noun hood·lum \ˈhüd-ləm, ˈhu̇d-\

: a tough and violent criminal : thug

Next Word in the Dictionary: hoodman–blindPrevious Word in the Dictionary: hoodlessAll Words Near: hoodlum

What made you want to look up hoodlum? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears