mugger

1 of 3

noun (1)

mug·​ger ˈmə-gər How to pronounce mugger (audio)
: a usually harmless freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) of the Indian subcontinent with a broad heavy snout

mugger

2 of 3

noun (2)

: one who attacks with intent to rob

mugger

3 of 3

noun (3)

: one that grimaces especially before an audience

Examples of mugger in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Tecun pulled away the phone that was wrapped in a jacket in the mugger’s hands. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2024 Many of us, especially property owners, feel as though we’ve been mugged, although that isn’t fair to muggers. WSJ, 7 Dec. 2023 The first is a mugger that Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) and Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) chase down in the opening flashback sequence. Nick Romano, EW.com, 16 June 2023 The mugger fled with Tran’s backpack. BostonGlobe.com, 7 Aug. 2021 Dead streets are a mugger’s ideal. Kyle Smith, National Review, 24 Mar. 2021 Indeed, the mugger's situation is a more direct cause of his behaviour than a brain tumour. Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2010 Conversely, there isn't a Jersey driver alive who does not feel that any car bearing a New York plate should be avoided like the plague since it is being driven by a thug and a mugger at the very least. Jean Shepherd, Car and Driver, 18 Dec. 2022 An Atlanta woman recently fell prey to the desperations of a violent mugger trying to escape town. Matt Bruce, ajc, 3 Mar. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mugger.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Hindi & Urdu magar, from Sanskrit makara water monster

Noun (2)

mug entry 3

Noun (3)

mug entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1844, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1863, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mugger was in 1844

Dictionary Entries Near mugger

Cite this Entry

“Mugger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mugger. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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