Definition of burglary
burglaries
: the act of breaking and entering a dwelling at night to commit a felony (such as theft); broadly : the entering of a building with the intent to commit a crime
burglariously
adverbFrom the M-W Editors
Examples of burglary in a Sentence
There have been a number of burglaries in the neighborhood in recent months.
He has been charged with attempted burglary.
Recent Examples of burglary from the Web
-
Vehicle burglary 06/02/17 Shell Gas 15991 Sheridan Street, Southwest Ranches, FL from Davie Police Department on Vimeo.
-
Many of the 16 others had been convicted of theft or burglary.
-
If his probation were revoked, the sentencing range for burglary in Georgia is one to 20 years in prison.
-
The last incident at the gun shop was in 2012 when a burglary broke into a storage facility and stole tools, according to police reports.
-
McGee, who has no criminal record, was arraigned Monday on charges including assault, burglary and resisting arrest.
-
Hardin was sentenced to probation in early March after pleading guilty to possessing marijuana and burglary.
-
A burglary was reported May 16 in the 5200 block of Touhy Avenue.
-
Officers responded to a call about a burglary at Keystone Apartments on Flave Pierce Road at 5 a.m.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'burglary'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Circa 1523
First Known Use of burglary
circa 1523
Other Legal Terms
BURGLARY Defined for English Language Learners
burglary
playDefinition of burglary for English Language Learners
-
: the act of illegally entering a building in order to steal things
BURGLARY Defined for Kids
burglary
playDefinition of burglary for Students
burglaries
: the act of breaking into a building especially at night with the intent to commit a crime (as theft)
Law Dictionary
burglary
playLegal Definition of burglary
burglaries
: the act of breaking and entering an inhabited structure (as a house) especially at night with intent to commit a felony (as murder or larceny); also : the act of entering or remaining unlawfully (as after closing to the public) in a building with intent to commit a crime (as a felony)
Additional Notes on burglary
The crime of burglary was originally defined under the common law to protect people, since there were other laws (as those defining larceny and trespass) that protected property. State laws have broadened the common-law crime. Entering at night is often no longer required and may be considered an aggravating factor. The building may be something other than a dwelling, such as a store or pharmacy. Some states (as Louisiana) have included vehicles under their burglary statute. There are degrees of burglary, and some of the usual aggravating factors are the presence of people and use of a deadly weapon.
Origin and Etymology of burglary
Anglo-French burglarie, modification of Medieval Latin burgaria, from burgare to break into (a house)
Learn More about burglary
-
Spanish Central: Translation of burglary Nglish: Translation of burglary for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of burglary for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about burglary
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up burglary? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!