stole

1 of 2

past tense of steal

stole

2 of 2

noun

ˈstōl 

1

: a long loose garment : robe

2

: an ecclesiastical vestment consisting of a long usually silk band worn traditionally around the neck by bishops and priests and over the left shoulder by deacons

3

: a long wide scarf or similar covering worn by women usually across the shoulders

Examples of stole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Roach traipsed through the glass doors of the lobby, tossing his stole in Black’s general direction. —Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2024

Back to the fashion: Jolie’s faux fur stole wasn’t her only surprising sartorial choice in the summer heat. —Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Aug. 2024

Jolie seemed to be channeling the stage diva with her red carpet ensemble, which featured a perhaps surprising accessory in the brutal Venice heat: a faux fur stole. —Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Aug. 2024

At the same time, politicians talked while the top brass stole, and all Ivan was left with was mindless paperwork — and now character assassination. —Sarah A. Topol, New York Times, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English, from Latin stola, from Greek stolē equipment, robe, from stellein to set up, make ready

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

stole

1 of 2

ˈstōl

past of steal

stole

2 of 2 noun

1

: a long narrow band worn around the neck by bishops and priests in ceremonies

2

: a long wide scarf or similar covering worn by women usually across the shoulders

Legal Definition

stole

past of steal