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.
For example, the 60-year-old burglar who's already done three of his five years might prove as much. — Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026 Video footage from inside Kala Greek showed one of the burglars kicking the glass to break in. — Tara Molina, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 The film follows a Polish burglar who assumes the identity of a dead stranger’s girlfriend, with unexpected results. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 18 Oct. 2026 Europe’s weak spots While the problem is global, European galleries are particularly enticing for burglars, according to Brand. — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 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

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