petit larceny

noun

: larceny involving property of a value below a legally established minimum

Examples of petit larceny 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.
New York City Police arrested him in 2025 for petit larceny, a misdemeanor for small-time theft. Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 13 June 2025 On April 25, the New York City Police Department arrested Pineda for petit larceny. Jasmine Baehr , Alexandra Koch , Jennifer Johnson, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2025 Seven former union officials — including two past chapter presidents — were arrested on suspicion of felony grand larceny, and a seventh was cited for misdemeanor petit larceny. Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 29 May 2025 Hampton was arrested and charged with petit larceny, as well as improper equipment and possession of marijuana while in possession of a firearm. Kyle Schmidbauer, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for petit larceny

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of petit larceny was circa 1580

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Cite this Entry

“Petit larceny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petit%20larceny. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

Legal Definition

petit larceny

see larceny

More from Merriam-Webster on petit larceny

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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