stole

1 of 2

past tense of steal

stole

2 of 2

noun

ˈstōl 

1

: a long loose garment : robe

2

: an ecclesiastical vestment consisting of a long usually silk band worn traditionally around the neck by bishops and priests and over the left shoulder by deacons

3

: a long wide scarf or similar covering worn by women usually across the shoulders

Examples of stole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While visiting Malta with Prince Philip in 1951, the late monarch wore a pale purple beaded gown and fur stole. —Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026

Hackers in late 2023 stole Glendale Unified School District employees’ Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and financial account information and demanded a ransom for the data, according to the Los Angeles Times. —Jason Henry, Daily News, 18 Apr. 2026

Leo presided over the service sitting off to the side of the altar on a white throne, wearing his formal red cape and liturgical stole and praying with a Rosary in his hands. —Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026

The president displayed another photo, this one of Black student wearing her cap and gown and adorned with stoles and honor cords being presented with an advanced degree. —Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English, from Latin stola, from Greek stolē equipment, robe, from stellein to set up, make ready

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stole

• boal
• bole
• bowl
• coal
• droll
• foal
• goal
• hole
• knoll
• kol
• mole
• noll

Kids Definition

stole

1 of 2

ˈstōl

past of steal

stole

2 of 2 noun

1

: a long narrow band worn around the neck by bishops and priests in ceremonies

2

: a long wide scarf or similar covering worn by women usually across the shoulders

Legal Definition

stole

past of steal