thief

noun

ˈthēf 

plural thieves ˈthēvz 

: one that steals especially stealthily or secretly

also : one who commits theft or larceny

Synonyms of thief

• robber
• burglar

Examples of thief in a Sentence

A thief took my purse.

a thief has been stealing wallets and valuables from the lockers at the gym

Recent Examples on the Web

Police said thieves have primarily targeted newer-model Toyota Camry and Corolla vehicles, along with Honda Civic and Accord models equipped with sport trim wheels and tires. —Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026

Break a window and thieves might catch a break from facing a dedicated prosecutor in the misdemeanor unit at the Sacramento District Attorney's Office, as budget cuts are leading to cuts in that unit. —Steve Large, CBS News, 15 June 2026

The birds are cute, but some can be thieves. —Megan Margulies, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026

Michael Mann's Heat centers on experienced thief Neil McCauley (De Niro), whose various heists are detected by LAPD cop Vincent Hanna (Pacino). —Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English theef, from Old English thēof; akin to Old High German diob thief

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing thief

• sneak thief

Rhymes for thief

• beef
• brief
• chief
• fief
• grief
• leaf
• lief
• reef
• reif
• seif
• sheaf
• belief

Kids Definition

thief

noun

ˈthēf 

plural thieves ˈthēvz 

: one that steals

Legal Definition

thief

noun

plural thieves

: one who commits theft

Etymology

Old English thēof