saboteur

noun

sab·​o·​teur ˌsa-bə-ˈtər How to pronounce saboteur (audio)
-ˈtu̇r,
-ˈtyu̇r
: one that practices sabotage

Examples of saboteur in a Sentence

The car's tires were slashed by saboteurs.
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.
But hidden away in a secret HQ, a group of celebrity saboteurs are watching their every move, carrying out missions designed to disrupt their success. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025 Even far from the front line, soldiers tend to dress casually—presumably because of the risk of spies or saboteurs. Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 7 Oct. 2025 But that was back when the world was a simpler place and Mickelson wasn’t the saboteur of professional golf’s social stratum. Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025 In the shadowy underworld of soil, tiny plastic particles are lurking like molecular saboteurs. Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for saboteur

Word History

Etymology

French, from saboter

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of saboteur was in 1921

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Saboteur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saboteur. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

saboteur

noun
sab·​o·​teur ˌsab-ə-ˈtər How to pronounce saboteur (audio)
-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r
: a person who performs sabotage

More from Merriam-Webster on saboteur

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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