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Definition of burglar

burglar

/ˈbɝːɡlɚ/
bur · glar
Adverb:burglariously
•
Plural:burglars
•
Adjective:burglarious
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burglar Lexical Profile

burglar Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who illegally enters a building or other premises with the intent to commit a crime, especially theft.

Example

"The homeowners installed a security camera after a burglar broke into a neighboring house."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for burglar

Word Nuance & Usage

In strict legal and careful usage, a "burglar" specifically enters a building unlawfully to commit a crime (usually theft), whereas a "robber" takes property directly from a person using force or intimidation, and a "thief" is a general term for anyone who steals.

• Rhymes for burglar

• Nearby Words

burgess
burgess falls
burgher
burglar
burglarize
burglarproof
burglary

Word Origin & Etymology

From Anglo-French "burgler" and Medieval Latin "burgulator", ultimately derived from a Germanic root related to Old English "burg" (fortified town or dwelling) and "brecan" (to break), literally meaning a housebreaker.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Burglar. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/burglar
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