shoplift

verb

shop·​lift ˈshäp-ˌlift How to pronounce shoplift (audio)
shoplifted; shoplifting; shoplifts
Synonyms of shopliftnext

intransitive verb

: to steal displayed goods from a store

transitive verb

: to steal (displayed goods) from a store

Examples of shoplift in a Sentence

The manager saw the kids shoplift and called the police. The kids shoplifted candy from the store.
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.
Kohen's mother has said that her friend was being pursued for allegedly shoplifting diapers, and that the friend was behind the wheel of the vehicle. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 22 June 2026 Most cases are shoplifting, assault or petty theft. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 9 June 2026 The caller stopped a man from shoplifting and admonished him. Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 9 June 2026 People who shoplift and engage in other criminal activity are criminals, not merely victims of an unfair and exploitive economic system. Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for shoplift

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from shoplifter

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of shoplift was in 1756

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shoplift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shoplift. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

shoplift

verb
shop·​lift -ˌlift How to pronounce shoplift (audio)
: to steal merchandise on display in stores

Legal Definition

shoplift

intransitive verb
shop·​lift ˈshäp-ˌlift How to pronounce shoplift (audio)
: to steal displayed goods from a store

transitive verb

: to steal (displayed goods) from a store

More from Merriam-Webster on shoplift

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster