bribery

noun

brib·​ery ˈbrī-b(ə-)rē How to pronounce bribery (audio)
plural briberies
: the act or practice of giving or taking a bribe

Examples of bribery in a Sentence

They were arrested on charges of bribery.
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.
Corruption: The wife of former Senator Robert Menendez was convicted of participating in a bribery scheme with her husband that included gold, cash and a Mercedes-Benz. Justin Porter, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025 The three prosecutors had been placed on leave after the DOJ ordered Adams’ bribery and corruption charges dropped. Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025 Nadine Menendez was found guilty in her federal bribery trial, months after her husband, former Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), was convicted for similar crimes. Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 21 Apr. 2025 The merger also became a major plot point in the federal racketeering and bribery prosecution of Raymond Chan, the onetime head of the Department of Building and Safety. David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bribery

Word History

First Known Use

1560, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bribery was in 1560

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bribery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bribery. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

bribery

noun
brib·​ery ˈbrī-b(ə-)rē How to pronounce bribery (audio)
plural briberies
: the act or practice of bribing

Legal Definition

bribery

noun
brib·​ery
plural briberies
: the crime of giving or taking a bribe

More from Merriam-Webster on bribery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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