thief

noun

plural thieves ˈthēvz How to pronounce thief (audio)
Synonyms of thiefnext
: one that steals especially stealthily or secretly
also : one who commits theft or larceny

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
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.
PragueReuters — An unknown thief snatched an 800-year-old skull believed to be of Saint Zdislava of Lemberk from a display box in a church in the northern Czech Republic and ran away with the relic, police said on Wednesday. CNN Money, 13 May 2026 This adjustable sling bag has plenty of space for your phone, cash, keys, and other daily essentials, and is constructed with locking zippers to ward off potential thieves. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2026 If a photo or description had been broadcast, that would allow potential thieves to falsely claim ownership. Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026 Chicago police are looking for the thieves who smashed through the front of a sub shop and stole an ATM on Wednesday morning in the Avalon Park neighborhood. Todd Feurer, CBS News, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for thief

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of thief was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thief. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

thief

noun
plural thieves ˈthēvz How to pronounce thief (audio)
: one that steals

Legal Definition

thief

noun
plural thieves
: one who commits theft
Etymology

Old English thēof

More from Merriam-Webster on thief

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