WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026
thug (thug),USA pronunciation
n.
thug•ger•y
(thug′ə rē),USA pronunciation n.
thug′gish, adj.
- a cruel or vicious ruffian, robber, or murderer.
- British Empire(sometimes cap.) one of a former group of professional robbers and murderers in India who strangled their victims.
- Hindi thag literally, rogue, cheat
- 1800–10;
'thuggery' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):