burglar

noun

bur·​glar ˈbər-glər How to pronounce burglar (audio)
 also  -gə-lər
: one who commits burglary

Examples of burglar in a Sentence

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.
Even with this new information, the investigator's theory remained that Sherri's killer or killers were burglars. Doc Louallen, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2024 Police received a 911 call at 11 p.m. on Sept. 10 from a business owner who reported seeing via surveillance footage an armed burglar trying to break into their nail salon, police have said. Bianca Moreno-Paz, Austin American-Statesman, 25 Sep. 2024 The cleaning lady identified him as one of the burglars, Rosenbaum said. Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2024 Upon apparently learning that the works would not fit in the vehicle, the burglars ripped two from their frames and left the other two damaged in the street. News Desk, Artforum, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for burglar 

Word History

Etymology

Anglo-French burgler, from Medieval Latin burglator, probably alteration of burgator, from burgare to commit burglary

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of burglar was in 1541

Dictionary Entries Near burglar

Cite this Entry

“Burglar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burglar. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

burglar

noun
bur·​glar ˈbər-glər How to pronounce burglar (audio)
: a person who commits burglary

Legal Definition

burglar

noun
bur·​glar ˈbər-glər How to pronounce burglar (audio)
: a person who commits a burglary
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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