thief

noun

plural thieves ˈthēvz How to pronounce thief (audio)
Synonyms of thiefnext
: one that steals especially stealthily or secretly
also : one who commits theft or larceny

Examples of thief in a Sentence

A thief took my purse. a thief has been stealing wallets and valuables from the lockers at the gym
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.
Once inside, the thieves moved quickly and went straight for the cash registers before fleeing in the same vehicle. Conor McGill, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026 Yes, arrest the murderers, drug lords and gang members, thieves and smugglers. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 2 Jan. 2026 Written by Simon Kinberg, the film is described as an unconventional heist flick about a bank guard, a teller and a master thief in a deadly game of cons and double crosses. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 1 Jan. 2026 In less than an hour, thieves pocketed eight priceless pieces, including an emerald necklace set with more than 1,000 diamonds and an opulent pearl diadem worn by Empress Eugénie of France. Emma Banks, InStyle, 31 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thief

Word History

Etymology

Middle English theef, from Old English thēof; akin to Old High German diob thief

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thief was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thief. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

thief

noun
plural thieves ˈthēvz How to pronounce thief (audio)
: one that steals

Legal Definition

thief

noun
plural thieves
: one who commits theft
Etymology

Old English thēof

More from Merriam-Webster on thief

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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