mafioso

noun ma·fi·o·so \ˌmä-fē-ˈō-(ˌ)sō, ˌma-, -(ˌ)zō\

: a member of the Mafia

plural ma·fi·o·si\-(ˌ)sē, -(ˌ)zē\

Full Definition of MAFIOSO

: a member of the Mafia or a mafia

See mafioso defined for English-language learners

See mafioso defined for kids

Italian, from Italian dialect (Sicily) mafiusu gallant, swaggerer, perhaps alteration of marfusu scoundrel

First Known Use: 1875

Next Word in the Dictionary: mafitePrevious Word in the Dictionary: maficAll Words Near: mafioso

What made you want to look up mafioso? 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