burglar

noun

bur·​glar ˈbər-glər How to pronounce burglar (audio)
 also  -gə-lər
: one who commits burglary

Examples of burglar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Throughout the season, viewers had pieced together that Jacob’s sister Emily (played by Generation’s Chloe East) had shot and killed her brother after mistaking him for a burglar. Claire Franken, TVLine, 14 Dec. 2024 Around the time of Jacob’s death, there was a burglar breaking into homes in the area. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024 When Tagovailoa spoke to the media earlier this week, the 26-year-old issued a warning to burglars about breaking into his house. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024 Years passed until a burglar was publicly identified. Ella Feldman, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for burglar 

Word History

Etymology

Anglo-French burgler, from Medieval Latin burglator, probably alteration of burgator, from burgare to commit burglary

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of burglar was in 1541

Dictionary Entries Near burglar

Cite this Entry

“Burglar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burglar. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

burglar

noun
bur·​glar ˈbər-glər How to pronounce burglar (audio)
: a person who commits burglary

Legal Definition

burglar

noun
bur·​glar ˈbər-glər How to pronounce burglar (audio)
: a person who commits a burglary
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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