burglar

noun

bur·​glar ˈbər-glər 

also -gə-lər

: one who commits burglary

Examples of burglar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Banging inside a Washington resident's home turned out not to be a burglar. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Alix Blüh recounts what happened on August 13th when a burglar gutted her store. — Andrea Nakano, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

The Gables home’s security systems, which the burglars took with them, have also been recovered. — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026

Lamb, 27, had four luxury bags stolen from his home, as the burglar entered through a broken window on the property. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Aug. 2026

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

Phrases Containing burglar

• anti-burglar
• burglar alarm
• cat burglar

Kids Definition

burglar

noun

bur·​glar ˈbər-glər 

: a person who commits burglary

Legal Definition

burglar

noun

bur·​glar ˈbər-glər 

: a person who commits a burglary