shoplift

verb

shop·​lift ˈshäp-ˌlift How to pronounce shoplift (audio)
shoplifted; shoplifting; shoplifts

intransitive verb

: to steal displayed goods from a store

transitive verb

: to steal (displayed goods) from a store

Examples of shoplift in a Sentence

The manager saw the kids shoplift and called the police. The kids shoplifted candy from the store.
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.
But on Saturday, a New York City police sergeant was arrested and charged with two counts of petty larceny after officials said she was caught shoplifting at a Target on Long Island. Shayla Colon, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2024 In July 2023, authorities arrested Velez again, this time for allegedly shoplifting at a Walmart on Del Prado Boulevard in Cape Coral, WBBH reported. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024 In My Life As A Mom' was intended to promote her lifestyle as an affluent social media influencer and does not suggest the items were shoplifted. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024 Photo: Courtesy of Everett Collection Look to this film for another Christmastime tale of a shoplifting damsel in distress—this time, a single mother and war widow played by Janet Leigh. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shoplift 

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from shoplifter

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of shoplift was in 1756

Dictionary Entries Near shoplift

Cite this Entry

“Shoplift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shoplift. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

shoplift

verb
shop·​lift -ˌlift How to pronounce shoplift (audio)
: to steal merchandise on display in stores

Legal Definition

shoplift

intransitive verb
shop·​lift ˈshäp-ˌlift How to pronounce shoplift (audio)
: to steal displayed goods from a store

transitive verb

: to steal (displayed goods) from a store

More from Merriam-Webster on shoplift

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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