pickpocket

noun

pick·​pock·​et ˈpik-ˌpä-kət 

: a thief who picks pockets

Examples of pickpocket in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One such ruse, revealed by The Athletic in August 2024, involved a team of pickpockets being hired to teach his squad the importance of being ready, alert and prepared at all times. — Art De Roché, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Head into the remainder of the year with travel essentials that offer a little extra peace of mind, including luggage locks, portable travel safes, and personal alarms that can help deter pickpockets. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026

Think of it like a team of pickpockets, one of which walks up to ask you for directions while the other swipes your wallet. — Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 10 July 2026

Said purse needs to be roomy enough to fit all of my travel essentials, but also secure enough to keep my stuff safe from pickpockets. — Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pickpocket

• skyrocket
• docket
• locket
• pocket
• rocket
• socket
• sprocket

Kids Definition

pickpocket

noun

pick·​pock·​et ˈpik-ˌpäk-ət 

: a thief who steals from pockets and purses

Legal Definition

pickpocket

noun

pick·​pock·​et

: a thief who surreptitiously steals money or valuables from the pockets or person of an individual