First Known Use: 1973
Dictionary
Ponzi scheme
noun Pon·zi scheme \ˈpän-zē-\
Definition of PONZI SCHEME
: an investment swindle in which some early investors are paid off with money put up by later ones in order to encourage more and bigger risks
See Ponzi scheme defined for English-language learners
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of PONZI SCHEME
Charles Ponzi †1949 American (Ital.-born) swindler
Rhymes with PONZI SCHEME
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: ponzuPrevious Word in the Dictionary: pony upAll Words Near: Ponzi scheme
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up Ponzi scheme? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).