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burglar

noun

bur·​glar ˈbər-glər How to pronounce burglar (audio)
also -gə-lər
Synonyms of burglarnext
: one who commits burglary

Examples of burglar in a Sentence

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.
Back in 2018, Tarantino reportedly awoke in the middle of the night to find two burglars inside his home. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026 Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic (while with the Dallas Mavericks), Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow were among the athletes hit by burglars in 2024. — Michael Guise, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026 Banging inside a Washington resident's home turned out not to be a burglar. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 The Gables home’s security systems, which the burglars took with them, have also been recovered. — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for burglar

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of burglar was in 1541

Phrases Containing burglar

Browse Nearby Words

burghmaster
burglar
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See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Burglar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burglar. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

burglar

noun
bur·​glar ˈbər-glər How to pronounce burglar (audio)
: a person who commits burglary

Legal Definition

burglar

noun
bur·​glar ˈbər-glər How to pronounce burglar (audio)
: a person who commits a burglary

More from Merriam-Webster on burglar

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for burglar

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