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.
In addition to taking the cash register, the burglars stole recently delivered inventory. Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 30 Dec. 2025 Police said a group of three burglars broke into three businesses through the rear doors or breaking the windows, before stealing change machines and cash from the registers and cash boxes in offices. Todd Feurer, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025 Quite literally as that happened, three masked burglars broke into Shedeur's home and stole $200,000 worth of goods. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 28 Dec. 2025 Police said Garcia was charged with third-degree burglary and possession of burglars tools. Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Burglar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burglar. Accessed 30 Dec. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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