vandalism
noun
van·dal·ism
ˈvan-də-ˌli-zəm 
: willful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property
Examples of vandalism in a Sentence
acts of theft and vandalism
He was arrested for vandalism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Service between the South Hayward and Berryessa / North San Jose was halted for several hours on Thursday following a vandalism incident near the Hayward maintenance yard.
—
Tim Fang, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025
Bach, who was 63 and diabetic, had been arrested on suspicion of vandalism, although prosecutors never filed charges.
—Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Nov. 2025
The district said her actions constituted vandalism, violated multiple teaching standards and caused $22,000 worth of damage, according to a disciplinary letter released in October.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 18 Nov. 2025
That same year, the singer was arrested for drag racing and driving drunk, then charged with misdemeanor vandalism after egging his neighbor’s house.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vandalism
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Tim Fang, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025
Bach, who was 63 and diabetic, had been arrested on suspicion of vandalism, although prosecutors never filed charges.
—Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Nov. 2025
The district said her actions constituted vandalism, violated multiple teaching standards and caused $22,000 worth of damage, according to a disciplinary letter released in October.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 18 Nov. 2025
That same year, the singer was arrested for drag racing and driving drunk, then charged with misdemeanor vandalism after egging his neighbor’s house.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vandalism
Cite this Entry
“Vandalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vandalism. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vandalism
noun
van·dal·ism
ˈvan-dᵊl-ˌiz-əm
: intentional destruction or damage to property
Legal Definition
vandalism
noun
van·dal·ism
ˈvand-ᵊl-ˌi-zəm
: the willful or malicious destruction or defacement of property
insurance covering property damage from vandalism and malicious mischief
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