Gang: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used to describe a group of people, often youths, who band together and may engage in criminal activities. Has a negative connotation.

• The police arrested the gang involved in the robbery.
• He was worried about his son joining a street gang.

Often refers to a group of people working together, especially on a ship or in a technical environment. Can also refer to any team undertaking a collaborative effort, typically without negative bias.

• The film crew set up the cameras for the shoot.
• The ship's crew worked tirelessly during the storm.

Describes a large crowd of people, often unruly and potentially violent. Can also refer to organized crime groups, especially in historical or media contexts. Usually has a negative connotation.

• A mob of protesters gathered outside the building.
• The mob boss was notorious for his criminal empire.

Refers to an association or group formed to undertake a project, especially in business or journalism. Can also imply an organized group involved in illegal activities but tends to have a more formal or business-like connotation.

• The news syndicate published the story across several newspapers.
• The crime syndicate operated in several major cities.

Usually refers to a group of people, often young and involved in criminal activities or negative behavior. It has a negative connotation.

• The gang was arrested for robbing the store.
• He fell in with a bad gang in high school.

Refers to a group of people working together towards a common goal, usually in a professional, sports, or project setting. Has a positive connotation.

• Our basketball team won the championship.
• She managed the marketing team for the new project.

A general term for any number of people or things that are located, gathered, or classed together. Neutral in tone and can be used in a variety of contexts.

• The study group met in the library every Tuesday.
• A group of tourists visited the museum.

A small, exclusive group of people who share common interests or activities. Often used to describe social exclusivity and can have a slightly negative connotation.

• The popular clique at school ignored the new student.
• She felt left out because she wasn't part of any clique.