Meaning of the word mafia in English

What does mafia mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

mafia

US /ˈmɑː.fi.ə/
UK /ˈmæf.i.ə/

Noun

1.

an organized international body of criminals, especially one operating originally in Sicily and now especially in Italy and the US

Example:
The police are investigating connections to the Mafia.
He was rumored to have ties to the local mafia.
2.

a powerful, often secretive, group within a particular sphere

Example:
The tech mafia controls most of the industry.
There's a real old boys' mafia in that company.