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.
He was charged with forgery in 2015 and sentenced to 18 months of probation, according to court records. Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025 The lawyer who complained cited forgery and insurance fraud related to life insurance policies sold by Daniel Carpenter, the department said. Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 11 Apr. 2025 He was charged with one count of theft, wire fraud, burglary and forgery. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025 The charges were felony criminal impersonation, second-degree forgery and second degree larceny. Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forgery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forgery. Accessed 22 Apr. 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
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