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.
The lawsuit alleged a veritable shopping list of offenses including breach of contract, unjust enrichment, forgery and wrongful conversion of property. Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 26 Mar. 2025 In addition, the Maryland native faces forgery and firearms charges in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested on December 9. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025 For experts, the question of whether the sculpture was an intentional forgery or a copy made as an artistic exercise still lingers. The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 25 Mar. 2025 He is scheduled to appear on April 2 at Manchester Superior Court on the forgery and larceny charge and at Hartford Superior Court on March 31 on the warrant charge. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 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 13 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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