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
Susan O'Brien, a Sacramento small business owner and a victim of vandalism, said last year someone used a rock to shatter her store windows.
—
Steve Large, CBS News, 15 June 2026
Police are investigating the vandalism of a painting recognizing Black achievement at the Houston Museum of African American Culture.
—Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 15 June 2026
That incident followed several other acts of vandalism by the group.
—ABC News, 15 June 2026
That incident followed several other destructive acts of vandalism by the group.
—Brian Melley, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for vandalism
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Steve Large, CBS News, 15 June 2026
Police are investigating the vandalism of a painting recognizing Black achievement at the Houston Museum of African American Culture.
—Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 15 June 2026
That incident followed several other acts of vandalism by the group.
—ABC News, 15 June 2026
That incident followed several other destructive acts of vandalism by the group.
—Brian Melley, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for vandalism
Cite this Entry
“Vandalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vandalism. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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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