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 drone footage example shows one way Flock cameras can help the police track down car burglars. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026 Prosecutors say Flynn staged a home invasion to mislead investigators and claimed in a frantic 911 call that a burglar had shot his wife. — CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026 The burglar broke into the first floor of the director’s New York townhouse, scanned an array of expensive framed artworks on her wall and made their choice. — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026 Flynn told 911 operators that a burglar broke into the couple’s home and shot his wife. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 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 9 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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