Simple Definition of culprit

from our Learner's Dictionary

culprit

noun

ˈkʌlprət How to pronounce culprit (audio)
plural culprits
: a person who has committed a crime or done something wrong
The police eventually located the culprits.
—often used figuratively
Lack of exercise and poor diet are the chief/main/real culprits in heart disease.

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“Culprit.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/culprit. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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