1. people who illegally make, transport, or sell alcoholic beverages
Usage: historical; refers especially to the Prohibition era in the United States
2. people who illegally copy and sell copyrighted material such as music, movies, or software
Usage: modern usage

Examples

• During Prohibition, bootleggers smuggled alcohol across state lines.
• The police arrested several bootleggers operating in the city.
• Famous bootleggers like Al Capone became wealthy during the 1920s.
• Modern bootleggers sell pirated DVDs on street corners.
• The music industry fights against bootleggers who copy albums illegally.
• Software bootleggers cost companies millions in lost revenue.
• Border patrol agents caught bootleggers hiding liquor in their car.