burglar

noun

bur·​glar ˈbər-glər How to pronounce burglar (audio)
 also  -gə-lər
: 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.
The Louvre director said the museum's cameras failed to spot the burglars and that there were not enough cameras monitoring the museum's perimeter. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 Oct. 2025 Between a high-profile divorce, finishing up her law school studies and having to testify during the trial of the burglars who robbed her years ago in Paris, Kim Kardashian has had a lot going on. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025 Between a high-profile divorce, finishing up her law school studies and having to testify during the trial of the burglars who robbed her years ago in Paris, Kim Kardashian has had a lot going on. Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025 While authorities are still trying to identify the burglars, prosecutors said on Monday that a bottle of liquid and other equipment were left behind at the scene and are now being examined. Bonny Chu , Ronn Blitzer, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 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

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