profiteer

noun

prof·​i·​teer ˌprä-fə-ˈtir How to pronounce profiteer (audio)
: one who makes what is considered an unreasonable profit especially on the sale of essential goods during times of emergency
profiteer intransitive verb

Examples of profiteer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The contractor, Zachary Young, was included in a November 2021 segment on war profiteers charging high prices to assist people in fleeing Afghanistan after the U.S. exited. Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024 Expect the same slick ads that neglect to mention dangers in order to get our youth hooked as a key long-term strategy for profiteers. Bruce Grant, Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2024 The rule is meant to insure that cultural property remains intact and accessible, rather than being hoarded away or sold off by profiteers. Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 22 July 2024 The Crooked Man was an 18th-century war profiteer named Jeremiah Witkins. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 1 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for profiteer 

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of profiteer was in 1912

Dictionary Entries Near profiteer

Cite this Entry

“Profiteer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profiteer. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

profiteer

noun
prof·​i·​teer ˌpräf-ə-ˈti(ə)r How to pronounce profiteer (audio)
: a person who makes an unfair profit especially on essential goods during an emergency
profiteer verb

Legal Definition

profiteer

noun
prof·​i·​teer ˌprä-fə-ˈtir How to pronounce profiteer (audio)
: one who makes an unreasonable profit especially on the sale of essential goods during times of emergency (as during wartime)
profiteer intransitive verb

More from Merriam-Webster on profiteer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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