bootlegging — English Dictionary

Noun

1. Engaging in economic production or distribution in an illegal way. The activity of making, transporting and/or selling illegal alcoholic liquor.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

2. Engaging in economic production or distribution in an illegal way. The activity of making, transporting and/or selling an illegal version or copy of a copyrighted product.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Synonyms

   piracy

3. Engaging in economic production or distribution in an illegal way. The activity of operating a mine illicitly.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

Noun

1. the act of making or transporting alcoholic liquor for sale illegally

   Broader terms

   sellingmerchandisingmarketing

   Examples

   the Prohibition amendment made bootlegging profitable

2. the act of selling illegally or without permission

   Broader terms

   sellingmerchandisingmarketing

   Examples

   the bootlegging of videotapes is common in Asia