forgery

noun

forg·​ery ˈfȯr-jə-rē How to pronounce forgery (audio)
ˈfȯrj-rē
plural forgeries
1
archaic : invention
2
: something forged
3
: an act of forging
especially : the crime of falsely and fraudulently making or altering a document (such as a check)

Examples of forgery in a Sentence

that is a cheap forgery, not an authentic Ming Dynasty vase
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This type of insurance covers problems due to fraud, mis-indexed or defective deeds, undisclosed heirs, forgeries, and unpaid liens threatening your ownership in your home. Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025 Pennsylvania authorities previously charged Mangione with carrying firearms without a license, possessing instruments of a crime, falsely identifying himself to law enforcement, tampering with records or identification, and forgery. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2024 He is charged in the state with forgery and illegally possessing an unlicensed gun. John Bacon, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024 Mangione has a preliminary hearing scheduled for tomorrow for his charges in Pennsylvania, which include forgery, carrying a firearm without a license and giving false identification to law enforcement. Brittney Melton, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for forgery 

Word History

Etymology

forge entry 2 + -ery

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of forgery was in 1583

Dictionary Entries Near forgery

Cite this Entry

“Forgery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forgery. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

forgery

noun
forg·​ery ˈfōrj-(ə-)rē How to pronounce forgery (audio)
ˈfȯrj-
plural forgeries
1
: something (as a signature) that has been forged
2
: the crime of falsely making or changing a written paper or signing someone else's name

Legal Definition

forgery

noun
forg·​ery
plural forgeries
1
: the act of falsely making, altering, or imitating (as a document or signature) with intent to defraud
also : the crime of committing such an act
2
: something that is forged

More from Merriam-Webster on forgery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!