Search Dictionary
Definition of hoodlum

hoodlum

/ˈhʊd.ləm/
hood · lum
Plural:hoodlums
JUMP TO:

hoodlum Lexical Profile

hoodlum Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who engages in crime and violence; a hooligan or gangster, especially a young street delinquent.

Example

"The shopkeeper installed security cameras to deter any neighborhood hoodlums from vandalizing the storefront."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for hoodlum

• Nearby Words

hoodie
hooding
hoodless
hoodlum
hoodlumish
hoodwink
hooey

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating in San Francisco slang during the late 1860s to describe young street gang members, possibly derived from the Bavarian German dialect word 'hudellump' meaning a tattered wretch or ragamuffin.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hoodlum. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hoodlum
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.