pickpocket

noun

pick·​pock·​et ˈpik-ˌpä-kət 

: a thief who picks pockets

Examples of pickpocket in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The signs warning visitors to look out for pickpockets are unnerving but necessary. —Elaine Sciolino, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2025

At the train station, she's again treated with kindness and respect by the ticket salesman, who advises her on the safest way to travel, and warns her about the city's pickpockets and predators. —Matt Cabral, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2025

Currently available at a 27 percent discount, this slim messenger bag is complete with several pockets and designed to ward off pickpockets with a five-point anti-theft system. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2025

The secret to pickpocket prevention: zippered pockets How did Smaistrla evade the Paris pickpocket? —Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 16 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pickpocket

• skyrocket
• docket
• locket
• pocket
• rocket
• socket
• sprocket

Kids Definition

pickpocket

noun

pick·​pock·​et ˈpik-ˌpäk-ət 

: a thief who steals from pockets and purses

Legal Definition

pickpocket

noun

pick·​pock·​et

: a thief who surreptitiously steals money or valuables from the pockets or person of an individual