burglar

noun

bur·​glar ˈbər-glər How to pronounce burglar (audio)
also -gə-lər
Synonyms of burglarnext
: 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.
The body lay unsecured for more than 10 hours while burglars twice picked through the dead man’s room. — Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 In homes with large windows, keeping interior doors closed can make the home appear smaller from the outside, preventing burglars from gaining the competitive advantage of knowing the floor plan. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2026 Washington Post journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein were able to connect the dots between the Watergate burglars. — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 26 June 2026 Hinojosa and others led police on a five-mile chase that ended off of Interstate 280, where the burglars abandoned their getaway car and ran in different directions, according to the criminal complaint. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 16 June 2026 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

Phrases Containing burglar

Browse Nearby Words

burghmaster
burglar
burglar alarm
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Burglar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burglar. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on burglar

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for burglar

Nglish: Translation of burglar for Spanish Speakers

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