shoplift

verb

shop·​lift ˈshäp-ˌlift How to pronounce shoplift (audio)
shoplifted; shoplifting; shoplifts
Synonyms of shopliftnext

intransitive verb

: to steal displayed goods from a store

transitive verb

: to steal (displayed goods) from a store

Examples of shoplift in a Sentence

The manager saw the kids shoplift and called the police. The kids shoplifted candy from the store.
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.
Both players were charged with misdemeanor theft by shoplifting and transported to the Clarke County Jail, where custody was transferred to the Clarke County Sheriff's Office. Christopher Harris, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025 The Commissioner and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office attributed the increase in arrests to more reporting and more enforcement, as city and county officials make shoplifting a higher priority. Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 22 Dec. 2025 During one scene, Claire — in a desperate attempt to one-up a neighbor (Joan Chen), who gifted her a three-wick candle — shoplifts from Crate & Barrel and is chased through the mall and parking lot by an army of security guards. Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025 Davis’ October arrest came after she was accused of shoplifting at a Dollar Tree in Margate. Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN Money, 15 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shoplift

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from shoplifter

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of shoplift was in 1756

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shoplift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shoplift. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

shoplift

verb
shop·​lift -ˌlift How to pronounce shoplift (audio)
: to steal merchandise on display in stores

Legal Definition

shoplift

intransitive verb
shop·​lift ˈshäp-ˌlift How to pronounce shoplift (audio)
: to steal displayed goods from a store

transitive verb

: to steal (displayed goods) from a store

More from Merriam-Webster on shoplift

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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