thief

noun

ˈthēf How to pronounce thief (audio)
plural thieves ˈthēvz How to pronounce thief (audio)
Synonyms of thief
: one that steals especially stealthily or secretly
also : one who commits theft or larceny

Synonyms of thief

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Examples of thief in a Sentence

A thief took my purse. a thief has been stealing wallets and valuables from the lockers at the gym
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.
French President Emmanuel Macron gave a warning this week that thieves would be apprehended. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 The new series picks up four years later, as Assane is released and pledges to go straight and repair his relationship with his family, only for a copycat thief to once more drag him to the criminal side. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026 Today, thieves barely need to leave the comfort of their own couch. — Mike McRae 20, New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026 Elliot Charles' work van was filled with tools before thieves took everything. — Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thief

Word History

Etymology

Middle English theef, from Old English thēof; akin to Old High German diob thief

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thief was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing thief

Rhymes for thief

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Browse Nearby Words

thick-witted
thief
thief ant
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Cite this Entry

“Thief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thief. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Legal Definition

thief

noun
plural thieves
: one who commits theft
Etymology

Old English thēof

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