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.
The new season finds Harry and Fergus delving into the worlds of whiskey-making, theatre and musical-tattoos, chasing a gang of middle-aged lady burglars and working to deal with a murder close to home. Anne Easton, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 The burglars used my pillowcases to haul off heirloom jewelry. Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025 His gentleman burglar act falters before long. Joe Reid, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2025 Cellphone jammers are sometimes sold illegally and used by car thieves and burglars. Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Burglar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burglar. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on burglar

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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