1. the illegal manufacture, distribution, or sale of alcoholic beverages
Usage: historical; primarily associated with Prohibition era
2. the unauthorized recording, copying, or distribution of copyrighted material
Usage: informal

Examples

• Bootlegging flourished during Prohibition in the 1920s.
• Al Capone made millions from bootlegging operations in Chicago.
• The police raided several bootlegging facilities last night.
• Music bootlegging became common with the rise of cassette tapes.
• The company cracked down on bootlegging of their software.
• Bootlegging concerts was a risky but profitable business.
• Federal agents worked tirelessly to stop bootlegging during the dry years.