shoplifter

noun

shop·​lift·​er ˈshäp-ˌlif-tər How to pronounce shoplifter (audio)
: one who shoplifts

Examples of shoplifter 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.
Back at the Dunwoody Police Department, the cops are unable to identify that shoplifter. Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Retail theft has soared over the past two years, and California residents approving Proposition 36 in November to make repeat shoplifters subject to felonies. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 21 Aug. 2025 Some have called the city lax for failing to stop shoplifters, cart scofflaws and other signs of crime and deterioration around the full-service Midway grocer, but the St. Paul Police Department reported this week that officers made more than 500 visits to the 1440 University Ave. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 22 July 2025 Prosecutors in, say, Orange and Riverside counties, might be more willing to include prior convictions for shoplifters than those in, say, San Francisco and Alameda counties. Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for shoplifter

Word History

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shoplifter was in 1680

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Cite this Entry

“Shoplifter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shoplifter. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

shoplifter

noun
shop·​lift·​er -ˌlif-tər How to pronounce shoplifter (audio)
: a person who shoplifts

Legal Definition

shoplifter

noun
shop·​lift·​er
: one who shoplifts

More from Merriam-Webster on shoplifter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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