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Definition of burgle

burgle

/ˈbɜːr.ɡəl/
Past Simple:burgled
•
Past Participle:burgled
•
Present Participle:burgling
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burgle Lexical Profile

burgle Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

British To enter a building or vehicle illegally with intent to commit a crime, especially theft.

Example

"The neighbors installed an alarm system after two houses on their street were burgled last month."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for burgle

Word Nuance & Usage

"Burgle" is the standard verb in British English, whereas "burglarize" is generally preferred in formal American English. Furthermore, "burgle" applies specifically to entering a building illegally to steal, whereas "rob" usually takes a person or institution as its object and implies force or threat.

• Rhymes for burgle

• Nearby Words

burglarize
burglarproof
burglary
burgle
burgundy
burhi dihing
burial

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century as a back-formation from "burglar," which comes from Anglo-French and Medieval Latin burgator, ultimately rooted in a Germanic word meaning "fortress" or "dwelling."

Cite this Entry

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