English Dictionary

Definition of “yakuza”

yakuza (jəˈkuːzə Pronunciation for yakuza

Definitions

noun

(plural) -kuza
  1. See the yakuza

  2. a member of this organization

Word Origin

C20: from Japanese ya eight + ku nine + za three, the worst hand in a game of cards

Example Sentences Including 'yakuza'

Apart from ``tour leader ', Yoshio Katsuno, a street-level yakuza back in Japan, Honda's companions in crime seemed almost as implausible.
The Australian (2005)
Like its corporate counterpart, the yakuza world has been hit by lay-offs, suicides and the unwelcome attention of the authorities.
Belfast Telegraph (2004)
Many former yakuza want to go back to work but without their pinkies nobody will take them on," she says.
Belfast Telegraph (2004)
Now the news is all about foreign affiliations - with the Mott Street gangs in Manhattan, with the yakuza in Japan.
Wilson, Dick Hong Kong! Hong Kong!

Comments

Log in to comment on this word.