Definition of pickpocket
: a thief who picks pockets
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Recent Examples of pickpocket from the Web
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The second time, Chubb employed an old pickpocket maneuver by bumping into Bryant while slipping the towel away.
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Plot out your destinations on a paper map beforehand, as cellphone-gazers attract skilled pickpockets.
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Under the law, robbery involves taking property from another person either through the use of or threat of violence, while theft is taking that property without violence or threat — think the difference between a mugging and a pickpocket.
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To deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers, don’t overload yourself with packages.
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They are insistently warned by loudspeaker, in several languages, of the dangers of pickpockets.
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This young gang of pickpockets in southern France will have your kids practicing their sneaking skills and speaking in authentic slang (there’s a glossary).
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Most pickpockets are subtle and swift; this appears to be a brazen new slash 'n steal method.
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The largest priority is, of course, security: mobile police stations in 30 tourist hot spots, deploying 6,000 more soldiers around the city as well as 800 agents to keep watch for pickpockets and litterers.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pickpocket.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of pickpocket
1591
PICKPOCKET Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of pickpocket for English Language Learners
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: a thief who steals money and other things from people's pockets and purses
PICKPOCKET Defined for Kids
Definition of pickpocket for Students
: a thief who steals from pockets and purses
Law Dictionary
pickpocket
noun
pick·pock·et
legal Definition of pickpocket
: a thief who surreptitiously steals money or valuables from the pockets or person of an individual
Learn More about pickpocket
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See words that rhyme with pickpocket Spanish Central: Translation of pickpocket Nglish: Translation of pickpocket for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of pickpocket for Arabic speakers
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